Before His Death, James Van Der Beek Gave His Blessing to His Ex-Wife's New Marriage

James Van Der Beek's ex-wife had the late Dawson's Creek star's blessing over her new marriage before his death.

Heather McComb, who was married to Van Der Beek from 2003 to 2010, revealed in a new interview with Us Weekly that her recent marriage to Scott Michael Campbell received the approval of both her ex-husband and his widow before the Varsity Blues actor died in February.

"I will share one thing [about our last encounter] because I think it's beautiful," McComb told the outlet in an interview published Tuesday, June 9. "James and Kimberly both knew that Scott and I were getting married and they both were so full of love and support and excitement."

She continued, "I know that James would want me to celebrate our love, just like he celebrated the love that he had for Kimberly, which was so beautiful."

McComb said that to have Van Der Beek's blessing on her marriage to Campbell, which was sealed with a May 30 ceremony, was something she will "always hold on [her] heart."

"I think that when I look back, that is really what I hold in my heart-is just how he loved [others] was a beautiful thing," the Party of Five actress said. "How he loved everybody in his life, especially Kimberly and those beautiful kids."

Following Van Der Beek's death at age 48 amid a battle with colorectal cancer, McComb was one of the many to pay tribute to the late star on Instagram, praising his "beautiful soul" in a lengthy memorial.

"What a journey we shared over the years," she wrote, in part. "I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades."



"I love you James. I know you had a lot of loved ones up there welcoming you home," she added later. "God bless you. Till we meet again you sweet soul you. Prayers up."

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 7:00 AM.