In a heartfelt and revealing Instagram post shared over the weekend, James Van Der Beek disclosed that he is courageously facing a private battle with colorectal cancer, while reassuring fans that he is “in a good place and feeling strong.”
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“Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them,” the Dawson’s Creek star wrote in his candid Instagram caption. The 47-year-old actor revealed that he initially planned to unveil his health journey in an exclusive interview with People magazine, but opted to shift his approach after learning that a tabloid intended to break the story ahead of him.
“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” he continued, emphasizing his dedication to his well-being during this challenging period. “It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”
Van Der Beek expressed remorse for those in his life whom he had kept in the dark about his diagnosis. “Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline,” he reflected. “But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.”
A quintessential ’90s heartthrob, Van Der Beek captivated audiences as Dawson Leery, the charming protagonist of Dawson’s Creek, from 1998 to 2003. Throughout his career, he graced the silver screen in films such as Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction, and Labor Day. Looking ahead, Van Der Beek is set to star in the original Tubi movie Sidelined: The QB and Me, scheduled for release on November 29. Additionally, he will feature in The Real Full Monty, a groundbreaking two-hour special where a host of male celebrities, including Taye Diggs, Dancing With the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli, and Anthony Anderson, will raise awareness and funds for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer research through a transformative performance.
In his Instagram message, Van Der Beek lovingly tagged his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, with whom he shares the joy of parenting six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. He concluded his emotional announcement by expressing deep gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support during this challenging time. “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support,” he wrote. “More to come…”
**Interview with Kimberly Van Der Beek, James’ Wife**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Kimberly. First, I want to say how much our thoughts are with you and James during this challenging time. Your support means a lot to him, and to many of his fans.
**Kimberly Van Der Beek:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a whirlwind, but we’re taking it one day at a time.
**Interviewer:** James shared his diagnosis of colorectal cancer quite publicly, which is not an easy thing to do. What prompted him to make such a personal announcement?
**Kimberly:** James felt a lot of pressure to share his journey on his terms. Initially, he planned to talk about it in a magazine interview, but when he learned that a tabloid would break the news first, he decided to take control of the narrative. He values honesty, and he wanted to let his fans know what is truly going on.
**Interviewer:** In his post, he mentioned the importance of focusing on his health. How has he been managing his treatment and overall well-being?
**Kimberly:** He’s been incredibly proactive. Despite the challenges, he’s really committed to his treatment regimen and prioritizing his health. We’ve been embracing a healthier lifestyle together, and he’s been remarkably positive throughout this process.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful to hear. He also expressed his remorse for keeping some people in his life in the dark about his diagnosis. How has the reaction been from friends and family since the announcement?
**Kimberly:** The support has been overwhelming. Everyone has rallied around him, and it’s brought our loved ones closer together. Many have shared their own experiences with cancer, which has provided a sense of community and understanding.
**Interviewer:** James described this experience as an “initiation.” Can you share more about what that means for him and for you as a couple?
**Kimberly:** To him, this journey has been about growth and resilience. It’s forced us to confront things we might have taken for granted, and we’re learning to appreciate each moment together even more. We joke that we’re in this together, and we’re determined to come out stronger on the other side.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to send to fans who are worried about James?
**Kimberly:** We are so grateful for the love and support. James is in a good place—mentally and physically, he’s strong. We appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and encouragement. He’ll share more about his journey when he’s ready, but for now, we’re focusing on healing and family.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kimberly, for sharing this with us. Our hearts go out to both you and James during this time.
**Kimberly:** Thank you for your support. It truly means a lot to us.