James Van Der Beek’s ‘DWTS’ Partner Emma Slater Remembers Him as a ‘Big Brother’

“Dancing With the Stars” professional Emma Slater noticed her ‘DWTS’ associate James Van Der Beek simply days earlier than his loss of life … and he or she expressed her gratitude for his or her remaining assembly in an emotional tribute to the late actor.

Emma was paired with Van Der Beek in Season 28 of the dancing competitors present in 2019, and he or she posted her favourite pic from their season to Instagram on Wednesday, calling him her “large brother.”

She wrote … “All those that had the pleasure of getting you of their lives are blessed. Ceaselessly modified by your brilliance. We acquired to have these lovely years sharing life collectively. It began with being dance companions and I used to be past excited to be dancing with you, and it continued into the deepest of friendships.”

She added … “You, Kimberly and the children grew to become household and I discovered a lot goal in our little group. Watching your love for your loved ones modified my life.”

Emma later recounted getting to inform Van Der Beek how a lot he meant to her … “I’m so grateful that I acquired to see you on Sunday, to speak to you and to inform you for the millionth time how a lot I like you. We laughed collectively. And I promised I might really feel your presence all the time, as I have already got. Thanks ❤️”

TMZ broke the unhappy information — James died Wednesday morning, and his household swiftly confirmed his peaceable passing. He had been recognized with stage 3 colorectal most cancers in mid-2023, and he went public along with his analysis in November 2024.