‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star James Van Der Beek Reveals Diagnosis at 47: Details

Actor James Van Der Beek revealed his cancer diagnosis on November 3 in an emotional Instagram reel. The 47-year-old TV star, who had managed his illness privately, originally planned to share his story in a planned interview with People magazine.

However, he announced it early after learning that a tabloid intended to release the news. This prompted James to share his story in his own words. Shortly after his post, People confirmed that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

James’s diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society, begins in the colon or rectum, often developing from polyps, which are small growths on the inner lining of these organs. While most polyps are benign, some can turn cancerous over time.

When a polyp does become cancerous, it can grow into the layers of the colon or rectum wall, potentially spreading to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The severity of colorectal cancer depends on how deeply it penetrates the organ’s walls and whether it has spread beyond the colon or rectum.

In his Instagram post, James explained that he joins the nearly 2 billion people worldwide diagnosed with cancer each year. He assured followers that he is receiving treatment and focusing on his health.

“I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready,” he wrote, thanking supporters for their encouragement and care.

The TV star also apologized to close friends and family members who hadn’t yet heard about his diagnosis directly from him.

“Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline… 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,” he said.

James’s diagnosis comes just as he gears up for his appearance on the television special “The Real Full Monty,” where male celebrities strip down to raise awareness for cancers affecting men, including prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer.

In this daring two-hour special, James joins stars like Tyler Posey, Taye Diggs, Anthony Anderson, and Bruno Tonioli, all committed to highlighting the importance of cancer testing and research.

Beyond his on-screen work, James is a dedicated family man. He and his wife, Kimberly, share six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

Despite the gravity of his health challenges, James didn’t let it dampen his Halloween spirit. He celebrated the holiday surrounded by family, creating joyful memories with Kimberly and five of their six kids.

Kimberly shared their festive family photos on Instagram, showing their children in a variety of costumes: Little Red Riding Hood, two angels with pumpkin candy buckets, a ninja with a black conical hat, and a toddler dressed as a yellow toy bus.

Meanwhile, James dressed as a cowboy in dark attire, while his wife wore a flowing green cloak with a mystical touch. “Happy Halloween. Samhain. Dressed up as myself,” Kimberly shared.

While James has yet to share more details about his diagnosis, he remains optimistic and is prioritizing his family during this challenging time.