James Van Der Beek revealed last night on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars that his wife had a miscarriage several days ago, and that he had considered quitting the show.
The Dawson’s Creek star had just finished his first dance routine, a cha-cha, with dance partner Emma Slater, and was receiving criticism from the judges when host Tom Bergeron interrupted by suggesting that Van Der Beek had endured a tough week.
Van Der Beek then explained to the audience, in a prerecorded statement, that his wife Kimberley had miscarried. He and Slater then proceeded to perform a foxtrot. Afterward, both were reduced to tears while still on stage.
Van Der Beek, on noticing his daughter crying in the audience, took her on-stage and held her while the judges read out the scores for his dance.
James later posted about the miscarriage on Twitter and Instagram, saying that he and his family were “wrecked, devastated” and “in shock.”
Wrecked. Devastated. In shock. That’s how we’re feeling right now after the soul we thought were going to welcome into our family has taken a short cut to whatever lies beyond this life. There are no words… thank you everyone for the love & support. It’s exactly what we need. pic.twitter.com/33evspGYM5
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) November 19, 2019
Many were quick to sympathize with Van Der Beek on Twitter and many admitted that they were left feeling very emotional.
James Van Der Beek's wife had lost the baby?! I'd cried for him watching #DWTS with emotion. I'd cried with him.
— Mark Rodriguez (@MarkRod77358449) November 19, 2019
#DWTS So sorry for James Van Der Beek and his wife for your loss. Prayers to you!
— Stanley Callahan (@StanleyCallaha3) November 19, 2019
Dance partner Slater told PEOPLE that the show was very important to Van Der Beek and that he told her it helped him to deal with the loss.
Kimberley is said to have encouraged her husband to continue with the show, despite herself still being in the hospital. The couple has five children.
Van Der Beek was considered one of the show’s likeliest contenders to go through to the finals, therefore many were surprised when he was voted off. Many took to Twitter to register disgust that he had been voted off too early.
James just lost his baby and still came out to compete and they’re going to send him home??! #DWTS pic.twitter.com/mZuiUI1V5w
— Allie (@Golden_Josette) November 19, 2019
I miss #DWTS one night… ONE NIGHT… and you send James Van Der Beek home!? What the heck you clowns doing I’m not mad just disappointed
— Brett S. Vergara (@BrettSVergara) November 19, 2019
Ally Brooke was voted through to the show’ finale instead of Van Der Beek. Brooke, herself in tears, offered to bow out and let Van Der Beek take her place, but the judge’s decision remained final.