Actor and comedian Eric Andre has shared his experience working with James VanDerBeek on Don’t Trust The B in Apartment 23. Andre shared a video to instagram with the caption “RIP James”.
He spoke to his experience as a young actor in Hollywood, and how Vanderbeek helped calm his nerves on set. “James pulled me aside, and he said Hollywood is not casting out of sympathy. You got here for a reason. It’s because you’re talented, you’re smart, and you’re funny. And you belong here.
Andre said the words of encouragement from Vanderbeek stuck with him throughout his career and that VanDerBeek continued to check in year after year. The comedian used words such as “altruistic”, “kind”, and “genuine” to describe the late actor.
Andre is one of many who have taken to social media to share their experiences working with Vanderbeek. According to mxdwn, Dawson’s Creek co-star Katie Holmes also took to Instagram to share a handwritten note.
“To share space with your imagination is sacred,” she wrote. “Breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression. These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth,” Holmes wrote.
She concludes the passage with, “Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art, creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children, the journey of a hero. I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”
According to USA Today, Alfonso Ribeiro, one of Vanderbeek’s closest friends, posted a picture of himself cradling Vanderbeek’s head, presumably as Vanderbeek neared the end of his life. He captioned the post, “This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye. My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already.”
Ribeiro had previously spoken on the passing of his dear friend, ”I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given my family and me. He was my true friend, brother, and life guide.”
“I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy among the most important roles of my life. I love you, James, and know I have a guardian angel watching over me.” Ribeiro continued via USA Today.