Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has revealed he’s been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, marking a personal challenge he’s now facing with determination and optimism. The actor, 47, shared with People this past weekend that he has been managing this health journey quietly, focusing on treatment and his health with support from his loved ones. “There’s reason for optimism,” Van Der Beek expressed, adding that he’s feeling strong as he takes steps to address the diagnosis.
Known for his role as Dawson Leery on the beloved series Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek’s career has spanned various hit shows, including Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber, and Pose. He has also starred in movies like Varsity Blues, Texas Rangers, and The Rules of Attraction, establishing himself as a versatile talent on both screen and stage.
Despite the private nature of his health journey, Van Der Beek’s condition became public sooner than he anticipated. In an Instagram post on Sunday, he explained his disappointment about the news breaking prematurely, revealing that he had intended to share his story in a more personal way. “There’s no playbook for announcing these things,” he admitted. “I’d planned to talk about it at length with People to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms.” Unfortunately, those plans were altered when he learned that a tabloid was set to release the information.
In a heartfelt message, Van Der Beek apologized to his family and friends who discovered the news from the media, rather than from him personally. He explained that the sudden announcement wasn’t part of his original plan, but he’s determined to make the most of his platform to promote awareness about colorectal cancer. “I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and focusing on my health,” he said. “It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”
Looking ahead, Van Der Beek will appear in Fox’s The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special set to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, with a focus on prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer. The show, inspired by a British TV series, will see Van Der Beek joining other celebrities—including Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, and Tyler Posey—as they rehearse and ultimately perform a striptease act. The Fox release describes the special as an exploration of “comfort, modesty, and brotherhood” that allows the men to share personal stories about how cancer has touched their lives, building camaraderie and courage along the way.
In this special, Van Der Beek will have a platform not only to promote cancer research but to inspire others who may be facing similar health challenges. He is committed to sharing his experiences on his own terms and using his journey to encourage others to prioritize their health and undergo regular cancer screenings.
While he acknowledges the difficulties of going public with such news, Van Der Beek remains positive. “I’m in a good place and feeling strong,” he wrote. With a renewed focus on health, family, and optimism, the actor is facing this chapter with the same resilience that has defined his career. Fans and loved ones alike have rallied around him, expressing support and admiration for his courage as he steps forward with a message of hope and determination.
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