Nine-Year-Old Daughter of Late Actor Shares Heartfelt Message on Father’s Birthday
On what would have been her father’s 49th birthday, Emilia Van Der Beek, the nine-year-old daughter of the late actor, delivered a touching video message offering guidance to others experiencing grief and loss.
The former Dawson’s Creek star passed away on February 11 following a battle with colon cancer, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and six children.
Kimberly Van Der Beek took to Instagram Stories on Sunday to commemorate her husband’s birthday, sharing multiple posts in his memory. Among these was a particularly moving video featuring their daughter Emilia, which Kimberly introduced with an explanation that the young girl had requested to create the tribute herself.
In her caption, Kimberly wrote that Emilia had asked permission to make the video, then went outside and returned with the heartfelt message. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the family has received and declared that they would celebrate March 8th every day for the remainder of their lives.
The video features Emilia offering compassionate advice to others navigating the loss of loved ones. She emphasizes the importance of expressing emotions and maintaining communication with those who have passed away.
“The number one thing for somebody’s passing is to talk to them and let your emotions out,” the young girl explains in the clip. She describes her daily practice of speaking to her father, telling him about her experiences and feelings while acknowledging that although she cannot hear his responses, she believes he can hear her.
Emilia shares her understanding that her father is no longer suffering and has found peace. She encourages others to find comfort in knowing their loved ones are in a better place while simultaneously allowing themselves to feel sadness about the loss.
The wise young girl also addresses feelings of anger and self-blame, advising against the latter as an unhelpful coping mechanism. She recalls her father’s words about continuing to believe in miracles, even if they don’t arrive when expected.
In a touching moment, Emilia reveals she has kept one of her father’s hats, which she wears in the video because it still carries his scent. She concludes by expressing gratitude to supporters who contributed to the family’s GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $2.7 million.
The video garnered an outpouring of support and admiration from friends and public figures. Professional dancer Emma Slater, who partnered with the late actor on Dancing With The Stars in 2019, praised Emilia’s wisdom and character. Rumer Willis, whose father Bruce Willis faces his own health challenges with frontotemporal dementia, described the message as profound and beautiful. Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who has multiple sclerosis, thanked Emilia for sharing her father’s love and legacy.
The late actor and his wife Kimberly were parents to six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 4.