I’m saddened to share that James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery on the hit 90s drama “Dawson’s Creek,” has revealed that he has been privately battling colorectal cancer.
In an exclusive interview with People Magazine, the 47-year-old actor opened up about his diagnosis, stating, “I have colorectal cancer. Along with my amazing family, I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and taking steps to resolve it.”
Van Der Beek went on to say, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.” While he did not provide additional details about his condition, the actor’s openness about his health struggle is sure to be an inspiration to his many fans.
Colorectal cancer, which develops in the tissues of the colon or rectum, affects around 1 in 23 men during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Women face similar risks. Though the diagnosis can be daunting, advances in screening and treatment have led to a decline in deaths from this form of cancer in recent years.
“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” Van Der Beek shared on Instagram. In the upcoming television special “The Real Full Monty,” a group of male celebrities will strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.
Beyond his work in entertainment, Van Der Beek has been dedicating time to his family, including wife Kimberly and their six children. Just this past June, the group embarked on a memorable trip to Egypt, with Van Der Beek expressing his awe at the experience.
“#Egypt… “With all my vocabulary, ‘Wow’ is what comes to mind most of the time,” he posted on Instagram. “We were gifted a magical experience, one I’m still processing—and might be for the rest of my life.”
Despite his cancer diagnosis, Van Der Beek remains actively engaged in his acting career. The star, in addition to his upcoming appearance on “The Real Full Monty,” will feature in the Tubi original film “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” scheduled for release later this month.
Van Der Beek’s openness about his health journey is a testament to his strength and resilience. As he navigates this challenge, he can take comfort in the unwavering support of his family and the well wishes of his fans.
“I’m in a good place and feeling strong,” Van Der Beek affirmed in his People Magazine interview. This positive outlook is sure to inspire others facing similar battles, reminding them that there is always reason for hope, even in the darkest of times.
In the coming months and years, we can expect to see James Van Der Beek continue to shine, both on the screen and in his personal life. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even beloved celebrities are not immune to the challenges of life, but that with courage and determination, they can overcome them.
As the entertainment industry and the public unite behind Van Der Beek, we can all learn from his example and confront life’s challenges with the same grace, optimism, and unwavering spirit that have shaped his remarkable career.