James Van Der Beek's 6 Kids: Everything You Need to Know About His Sons and Daughters
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- UPDATED April 04, 2025
by Kristine Bowman
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James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, are parents to six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah. Reflecting on fatherhood in 2013, the Dawson’s Creek star shared how it transforms you from the inside out. While he acknowledged the lack of free time, he emphasized how fulfilling it is to make that sacrifice for his family. Kimberly, too, discussed the challenges of having a large family, revealing in 2019 that their “date nights” now consist of cozying up on the couch with takeout.
James and Kimberly first met in Israel in July 2009. By the next spring, they confirmed they were expecting their first child. The couple married quietly in August 2010 in a spiritual ceremony back in Israel. Their first daughter, Olivia, arrived in September of that year, followed by their son, Joshua, in 2012. After enduring a series of pregnancy losses, the couple joyfully welcomed their youngest son in October 2021.
“We’ve seen opportunities grow, and we’ve seen the positive effects on our other kids,” James shared, reflecting on how the addition of each new child brings an undeniable joy to their home.
Olivia Van Der Beek, 14
Olivia, their firstborn, arrived on September 25, 2010. Her name was chosen with love, inspired by an olive tree in Israel that holds special meaning for the couple. Though her birth was difficult, it was the only hospital birth among the couple’s six children.
Joshua Van Der Beek, 13
Born on March 13, 2012, Joshua’s breech birth led to a home delivery after Kimberly found a doctor who specialized in breech births. James described the experience as challenging yet deeply rewarding, with the couple cherishing their new life as a family of four.
Annabel Leah Van Der Beek, 11
Annabel joined the family on January 25, 2014. Her name was decided after birth, with James and Kimberly opting not to find out her sex beforehand. The couple was surprised at how smoothly their third child’s arrival went.
Emilia Van Der Beek, 9
Born on March 23, 2016, Emilia’s arrival marked another precious moment for the family. She was introduced to social media with a heartfelt birthday tribute from James. In 2021, Emilia was briefly hospitalized after an injury, but she recovered swiftly with the support of her family.
Gwendolyn Van Der Beek, 6
Gwendolyn, their fifth child, arrived on June 15, 2018, in a home birth. James described her birth as an awakening of new energy in their lives, and he has praised the role she’s played in teaching him about masculinity through the experience of raising four daughters.
Jeremiah Van Der Beek, 2
Jeremiah, their youngest, was born on their Texas ranch in October 2021. His birth was particularly meaningful after the couple had experienced multiple pregnancy losses. James and Kimberly had serious doubts about expanding their family but were overjoyed to welcome him into their lives.
Who Is James Van Der Beek's Wife? Everything You Need to Know About Kimberly Van Der Beek
Kimberly, née Brook, and James have been together for over a decade, having met in Israel in 2009. They married in a private ceremony in 2010 and have since built a life filled with love and challenges. The couple remains united through the ups and downs, including James’s recent diagnosis with colorectal cancer. Despite this, James has found strength in his family, saying their love and support have been crucial in his journey toward recovery.
