James Van Der Beek, best known for his role on Dawson’s Creek, has delivered a deeply emotional update about his ongoing fight with cancer, leaving fans around the world concerned for the actor and his family.
The early symptoms
Van Der Beek was first diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 2023.
Before being diagnosed, Van Der Beek noticed unusual changes in his bowel habits, which he initially linked to his coffee intake.
“There wasn’t any red flag or something glaring,” he told Healthline
“I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee,” he told People last year. “Or maybe not put cream in the coffee. But when I cut that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, ‘All right, I better get this checked out.’”
When he underwent the procedure, Van Der Beek said he felt surprisingly calm.
“I felt really, really good as I was coming out of anesthesia that I had finally done it and looked into it,” he recalls. “And as I was coming out of the haze, the gastroenterologist said — in his most pleasant bedside manner — it is cancer.”
After that, the beloved actor has opened up about the heavy toll the illness had taken on his personal life.
Speaking to his followers on Instagram, he revealed: “I was away for treatment, so I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife. I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them. I could not be a provider because I wasn’t working.”
Despite these challenges, the actor said work has offered him a form of relief from his illness.
“The greatest thing about work is a cancer doesn’t exist between action and cut,” he said. “I’m just on the journey. It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.”
In a more recent and heart-wrenching update, Van Der Beek shared that his children have taken on caregiving roles as he continues treatment.
The 48-year-old also expressed his disappointment at missing a Dawson’s Creek cast reunion. “I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to hug this beautiful cast in person. I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single one of you for being here tonight,” he said.
He extended his gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans, adding, “From the cast, to the crew and everyone who has donated time and been so generous. And especially every single one of you, the best fans in the world.”
Fans have reacted with concern and support, commenting on his frail appearance and sending prayers for his recovery.
One fan wrote, “I pray this beautiful soul can beat this cancer; it truly breaks my heart for his beautiful family.” Another added, “He looks so frail, it’s hard to watch.”
Inside his faith
Van Der Beek has described living with cancer as a full-time commitment.
Reflecting on his diagnosis, he said, “I thought I was way ahead of the game. I ate as well as I could. I was healthy. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. There was no reason in my mind that I should have gotten a positive diagnosis.”
His faith has given him strength during this journey. “I am worthy of God’s love, simply because I exist. And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own? And the same is true for you,” he said.
In a move to help fund his ongoing medical care, Van Der Beek recently partnered with an online auction platform to sell personal memorabilia.
And lately, he has also announced a special auction to help cover his ongoing cancer treatment.
The auction, in collaboration with Propstore, is set to run from December 5–7, 2025, as part of their Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction.
Fans will have the chance to bid on iconic items from Van Der Beek’s career, including Dawson’s prom necklace — given to Joey, played by Katie Holmes—estimated at $26,400–$52,800.
Also featured is the outfit Van Der Beek wore in the show’s pilot episode, including his signature flannel shirt, with a starting bid around $4,000.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now,” he explained.
He reflected on parting with his cherished items, saying, “While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore’s auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years.”
This isn’t the first time he’s auctioned memorabilia to support his family during his cancer journey.
Fans continue to rally around Van Der Beek, sending messages of love and encouragement as he navigates this difficult chapter of his life.
We wish him a full recovery. You got this James, we’re all praying for you!
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