Who is James Van Der Beek? The actor opens up about his battle with colorectal cancer

James Van Der Beek addressed concerns about his appearance and is finally setting the record straight after fans expressed concern over his appearance during a recent “Dawson’s Creek” reunion. The actor, who is undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer, wants people to know he’s feeling better, staying active in his career, and approaching life with a renewed sense of gratitude. Speaking candidly, he addressed his health, family, and the perspective cancer has given him.

ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Franz Kafka: 'Start with what is right rather than…'— Top quotes by the Absurdist fiction novelist

Why did fans worry about James Van Der Beek’s appearance?

James Van Der Beek, 48, sparked concern after appearing virtually, rather than in person, at a recent “Dawson’s Creek” reunion. His slimmer appearance led some fans to worry his colorectal cancer had worsened, as per a report by Today.

In an exclusive interview with Today’s Craig Melvin, Van Der Beek clarified that the weight loss had nothing to do with his cancer. He explained that he missed the reunion after being “hit with some stomach bugs,” which caused him to shed weight temporarily.

ALSO READ: 40-year mystery solved: Who is Michelle Newton, found alive after decades missing? Mother Debra Newton arrested


“I feel much, much better than I did a couple months ago,” he said in the interview, which aired Friday, Dec. 19. "It's been a longer journey than I ever thought it would be. It's required more of me — more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had."

How is James Van Der Beek feeling now?

Despite the challenges, Van Der Beek emphasized that he’s doing well and continuing treatment. He described himself as “really fortunate in an unfortunate diagnosis,” noting that while the process has been demanding, he feels good, as per a report by Today.

"I knew I was strong. I didn't know I was this strong. But I feel good,” he told Melvin.

ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Sylvia Plath: 'But life is long…' — Top quotes by the poet defined by death

The conversation took place at the actor’s ranch in Texas, where he spoke openly about balancing treatment, work, and family life. While he declined to go into specifics about his therapies, he confirmed he is still undergoing cancer treatment and “trying a bunch of stuff.”

How was James Van Der Beek diagnosed with cancer?

James Van Der Beek admitted the diagnosis came as a complete shock. He said he believed he was in excellent health at the time.

“I was so healthy, was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I was doing the cold plunges, and the saunas, and the intermittent fasting and all of it,” he recalled. “I had Stage 3 cancer and had no idea.”

His symptoms were subtle — a change in bowel habits and a general feeling that something wasn’t right. There was nothing alarming enough to send him rushing to a doctor, but he trusted his instincts and scheduled a colonoscopy, as per a report by Today.

ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Michael Jackson: 'The greatest education…' — Top quotes by the king of pop

He vividly remembered waking up from anesthesia when his doctor told him, “It is cancer.”

“I went into shock,” Van Der Beek said. “I really don't think I knew what to do. Neither did my wife. And we drove home in silence.”

"And part of me wanted to panic. Part of me wanted to just freak out. But then another part of my brain was like, ‘You don't know enough yet,’” he shared.

What changed after the diagnosis?

Following the diagnosis, cancer quickly became his full-time job. Van Der Beek described days filled with signing up for medical portals, scheduling scans, and attending appointments. Acting roles were put on hold as his focus shifted entirely to treatment.

Part of him wanted to panic, he said, but another part told him he needed more information before reacting. That mindset helped him move forward step by step.

ALSO READ: What does 67 mean, who made the 67 meme and why is it so popular?

He was 46 when he underwent his first colonoscopy and now strongly urges others to get screened. Van Der Beek pointed out that anyone 45 and older can receive colorectal cancer screening, even without symptoms, through stool tests, colonoscopies, or other methods.

"If anybody takes anything away from this interview, it would be get tested, talk to your doctor,” he said.

How is his family handling the journey?

Van Der Beek credits his wife, Kimberly, for being his rock throughout the process. He described her as “an absolute saint,” noting she has taken on multiple roles — caregiver, nurse, household manager, and scheduler — while keeping life stable for their six children.

The couple chose to be honest with their kids, who range in age from 4 to 15. Van Der Beek said the feared reaction of panic and tears never came, as per a report by Today.

ALSO READ: Is December 26 a federal holiday? Trump adds two paid days off for federal workers this Christmas season - here are the dates

“Kids know if you're not right,” he said. “They know if you're sick. They know you're not feeling well.”

“So their request to me, especially the older ones, is, ‘Just be honest with us. We want to know.’”

Their request, especially from the older children, was simple: honesty. He said watching them grow stronger through the experience has been one of the unexpected outcomes of a situation he never wanted to put them in.

How has cancer changed his perspective on life?

Van Der Beek admitted there are moments of fear and vulnerability.

“In private moments, for sure, I break down and get scared and feel weak,” he said. “And it's just all part of the journey.”

"The hardest part has been the patience this has required as I'll, say, make a plan and then not be able to follow through on it.”

He described patience as the hardest lesson, especially when treatment disrupts plans. Still, he went so far as to call cancer “the best thing that ever happened to me,” explaining it forced him to slow down and truly appreciate each moment.

“Presence I think is really the gift that cancer has given me,” he said.

He also reflected deeply on self-worth, questioning who he was if he couldn’t always be the provider, husband, or father he once was. Ultimately, he realized he was still worthy of love — his own, God’s, and others’.

What’s next for James Van Der Beek?

Professionally, Van Der Beek hasn’t slowed down entirely. He recently wrapped filming on the prequel series to “Legally Blonde,” set to stream on Amazon Prime Video. He described the experience as fun and said acting offers continue to come his way.

He also expressed a desire to return to Broadway, calling stage acting his first love.

Through it all, his faith has taken on a more central role. “Before cancer, God was something I tried to fit into my life as much as possible. After cancer, I feel like a connection to God, whatever that is, is kind of the whole point of this exercise on this planet." “To be good stewards of our relationships with other people, and in doing so, connecting to whatever that force of God's love is.”


ALSO READ: Why is the Don Holt Bridge closed in both directions? Police explain what’s going on

James Van Der Beek's journey has reshaped his priorities, strengthened his family bonds, and given him a deeper appreciation for life, even in the face of uncertainty.

FAQs

Was James Van Der Beek’s weight loss due to cancer?
No, he said it was caused by stomach bugs, not cancer.

Is James Van Der Beek still acting during treatment?
Yes, he recently wrapped a new series and is receiving more offers.