• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Kimberly Van Der Beek reveals names she and James gave their unborn sons

0:54
Our favorite James Van Der Beek moments for his birthday
Rachel Murray/Getty Images,FILE
ByMegan Stone
October 22, 2020, 2:15 PM

Kimberly Van Der Beek, wife of "Dawsons Creek" alum James Van Der Beek, broke her silence regarding her two recent miscarriages.

Speaking on Instagram Live on Tuesday, the 38-year-old opened up about losing two pregnancies, both at 17 weeks, in the span of a year.

"They were so tough," she recounted of her fall 2019 and June 2020 miscarriages, and added, "one of them almost killed me."

Van Der Beek shared not only where she buried her sons, but what she wanted to name them.

Related Articles

MORE: James Van Der Beek explains the recent 'drastic changes' in his family's lives

She buried her sons in a passionmfruit vine that mysteriously turned up in a pile of plants she had purchased. Soon, it was dubbed the "mama plant" and became an important fixture in the household.

Editor’s Picks

James Van Der Beek mourns the loss of his mother in touching tribute

  • Jul 13, 2020

Kimberly Van Der Beek shared that she almost died from her miscarriage

  • Nov 19, 2019

James Van Der Beek explains the recent 'drastic changes' in his family's lives

  • Oct 14, 2020

When she suffered her first miscarriage, she "was told exactly where to bury it" -- the passion fruit vine.

"So we have two fetuses in our mama plant, and we named them John and Zachariah," Van Der Beek explained. "And so John and Zachariah are buried in the mama plant, and I decided today to have an artist make some sort of wood structure."

The intent is that, when it's time to plant the passion fruit vine "in the earth," "she can grow up around it."

Van Der Beek remains thankful for the plant that she believes came to her by fate, "The cool thing is I had this whole spiritual awakening that happened and the next day, mama plant had her first flower."

Related Articles

MORE: James Van Der Beek reveals his wife Kimberly suffered another miscarriage

She also added that Nov.17 is now an important date for the family: the day of John's miscarriage and, later, Zachariah's due date.

To honor their memory, Van Der Beek will host a blood drive that day and vowed, "If I'm feeling strong, I'll also be giving blood."

Editor’s Picks

James Van Der Beek mourns the loss of his mother in touching tribute

  • Jul 13, 2020

Kimberly Van Der Beek shared that she almost died from her miscarriage

  • Nov 19, 2019

James Van Der Beek explains the recent 'drastic changes' in his family's lives

  • Oct 14, 2020

Up Next in Culture—

Celine Dion releases new single amid ongoing stiff-person syndrome battle

April 17, 2026

Olivia Rodrigo enters new era with new single 'Drop Dead'

April 17, 2026

Live Nation illegally monopolized the market for tickets, jury finds

April 16, 2026

Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman and more reunite for 'Spaceballs: The New One'

April 16, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News