James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane were notably absent from the In Memoriam segment of the 2026 Oscars. This segment honors individuals in the entertainment industry who passed away during the year. Their omission during the ceremony, held on March 15, left many fans surprised and disappointed. Both actors are memorialized on the official Oscars website among others who were excluded from the tribute.
Notable Passings Before the Oscars
Van Der Beek and Dane died just weeks prior to the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. James Van Der Beek lost his battle with colorectal cancer on February 11 at the age of 48. His wife, Kimberly, announced his passing on Instagram, describing his final days as filled with “courage, faith, and grace.”
- Name: James Van Der Beek
- Death Date: February 11, 2026
- Age: 48
He is survived by Kimberly and their six children: Olivia (15), Joshua (14), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4).
Eric Dane passed away a week later, on February 19, at the age of 53, after battling ALS. His family issued a heartfelt statement, emphasizing his role as a loving father and friend. “He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered,” they wrote.
- Name: Eric Dane
- Death Date: February 19, 2026
- Age: 53
Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie (16) and Georgia (14). Gayheart had previously withdrawn her divorce petition in 2025, following Dane’s diagnosis.
Legacy and Friendship Remembered
In the wake of their deaths, Kimberly and Rebecca remembered the friendship shared between the actors. Kimberly’s Instagram Story captured the essence of their bond, sharing a throwback photo of the couples.
Both James and Eric were distinguished in their television careers. Van Der Beek gained fame for his role in “Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003), while Dane was best known for his part in “Grey’s Anatomy” (2006-2021) and “Euphoria” (2019-present).
Film Contributions
Besides their television work, both actors made significant contributions to film:
| Actor | Notable Films |
|---|---|
| James Van Der Beek | Varsity Blues (1999), Labor Day (2013) |
| Eric Dane | X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Valentine’s Day (2010) |
The absence of Van Der Beek and Dane from the Oscars’ In Memoriam section has sparked conversations regarding the recognition of influential figures in Hollywood. Their legacy will be cherished by fans and loved ones alike.
