James Van Der Beek, a beloved star of Dawson’s Creek, has revealed a heartbreaking reality: he’s battling colorectal cancer. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, the 47-year-old opened up for the first time about a journey that has left him both challenged and hopeful.
“I have colorectal cancer,” he said. “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 quickly adds, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
But what is colorectal cancer? Affecting the colon and rectum, it’s a silent threat in the digestive system that the American Cancer Society warns can strike when you least expect it.
Van Der Beek, however, has chosen to keep his life moving forward, refusing to let his diagnosis derail him. His recent appearance on Walker and his upcoming role in Sidelined: The QB and Me, set to premiere November 29 on Tubi, reveal a dedication to his craft that has not wavered even in the face of this diagnosis.
For Van Der Beek, family has become more vital than ever. His wife, Kimberly, and their six children—Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah—have been a lifeline. Just this past June, the family embarked on a life-changing trip to Egypt, which Van Der Beek documented on Instagram with photos of pyramids, camels, and endless wonder.
“#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, ‘Wow’ is what fell out of my mouth most of the time. We were gifted a magical experience, one I’m still processing—and might be for the rest of my life,” he wrote, sharing that the trip with his children and friends recharged him in a way he never expected.
As if this journey wasn’t already enough, Van Der Beek is taking his mission further. This December, he’ll join other stars on The Real Full Monty, a special where male celebrities will bare it all to raise awareness for cancer screenings.
Alongside Van Der Beek will be big names like Empire star Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones, and Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli. The project is led by Anthony Anderson, who has a personal connection to the cause and wanted to make a real impact.
In a recent interview, Diggs shared that he was surprised by how moving the experience became. “Embarrassingly, I thought I was just doing Anthony Anderson a favor and supporting cancer,” Diggs admitted. “But then once we got there and we really started to talk about these issues, everyone started opening up, and we got to know each other on a different level.”
For Van Der Beek, it’s more than a battle against illness; it’s a testament to the power of family, friends, and resilience. He’s shown that he won’t let cancer define him. As he faces each day with hope, he knows he’s not alone—and that’s something he’s ready to share with the world.
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