James Van Der Beek is grateful for the "outpouring of love" he’s experienced since his wife suffered a miscarriage.
The former ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star announced earlier this month his spouse had sadly lost their sixth child and although it has been a "real challenge" for the family, the messages of support they have received have meant a lot.
He said: "We’re getting there. It was really, really scary for Kimberly physically. It’s been a real challenge. We’ve talked about the importance of sharing when you’re going through something like this.
"I will say all the love really helps. We got a lot of support from people we knew, and from people we didn’t know on social media. People saying you’re in our thoughts and prayers meant a lot and continues to mean a lot. This outpouring of love, we’re in such appreciation of that.
The 42-year-old actor – who also has Olivia, nine, Joshua, seven, Annabel Leah, five, Emilia, three, and Gwendolyn, 16 months, with his wife – admitted it’s taken the family tragedy for him to realise how much words of support can mean to someone going through a tough time.
He told USA Today newspaper: "I’ve always wondered if that meant anything when you see others go through something, and telling them, ‘You’re in our thoughts and prayers.’ Now I know for sure it that really does. Every message helped.
After announcing Kimberly’s miscarriage, James went on to compete in the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ semi-finals but he and partner Emma Slater were voted off, prompting former Fifth Harmony singer Ally Brooke – who he competed against in the dance-off – to offer to step down so he could take her place.
James has forged a strong bond with Ally and was "so proud" that she continued in the competition and finished third with partner Sasha Farber this week.
He said: "She’s the sweetest, most genuine human being on the face of the earth. I love Ally. She’s family. We’ve been texting all week. I told her to get out there and crush it. And she did. I’m so proud of her."
James Van Der Beek grateful for supportive messages
