James Van Der Beek: “Feeling Good and Optimistic” Amid Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
James Van Der Beek, known for his iconic role as Dawson on Dawson’s Creek, has revealed a personal health battle that’s left fans shocked. At 47, Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Despite the troubling news, the celebrity insisted he’s feeling positive during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. He shared, “I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.” Van Der Beek assured fans, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
For those unfamiliar, colorectal cancer starts in the large intestine, specifically the colon or rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer.
While balancing treatment, the actor has continued his work in Hollywood. He recently made an appearance on Walker and is set to star in the Tubi original film Sidelined: The QB and Me, premiering November 29. His fans are thrilled to see that even in the face of cancer, Van Der Beek’s commitment to his craft remains strong.
Aside from work, he’s been all about family. The Varsity Blues star and his wife, Kimberly, have six kids—Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. In June, the whole family took an unforgettable trip to Egypt, with Van Der Beek documenting the magical experience on Instagram.
Sharing photos of the kids exploring pyramids and seeing camels, he captioned his post, “#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, ‘Wow’ is what fell out of my mouth most of the time.” Reflecting on the journey, he added, “The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers… I feel recharged.”
This December, Van Der Beek is also set to participate in The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special intended to raise awareness for cancer research and screenings, including those for colorectal, prostate, and testicular cancers. Alongside The Real Full Monty veteran Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones, and Dancing with the Stars Judge Bruno Tonioli, Van Der Beek will strip down to shine a light on the importance of cancer research and early detection.
Inspired by the beloved 1997 film The Full Monty and produced by Anthony Anderson, the event promises to be not only entertaining but deeply meaningful.The special will air on December 9.
With a full schedule and unwavering optimism, Van Der Beek is showing everyone that life doesn’t stop after a cancer diagnosis—it simply changes course. Fans can catch him in Sidelined: The QB and Me in November and The Real Full Monty in December, where he’ll continue to inspire by raising awareness and supporting others facing similar battles.
