James Van Der Beek is staying hopeful as he continues to navigate life with stage 3 colorectal cancer. The actor, best known for his role on “Dawson’s Creek,” opened up about his health, his family, and the emotional response from fans in a candid new interview with Craig Melvin on the “Today” show, which aired Friday, Dec. 19.
Melvin traveled to Van Der Beek’s Texas ranch to speak with the 48-year-old actor and father of six, offering viewers a closer look at how he’s doing and how he’s processing public concern about his illness.
James Van Der Beek Addresses Fans’ Concerns About His Appearance
During the interview, Van Der Beek directly addressed the concern that erupted after his virtual appearance at September’s “Dawson’s Creek” reunion. Fans noticed his noticeably thinner frame and immediately worried it was related to his cancer diagnosis.
“I’d lost so much weight because of the stomach virus, yeah,” Van Der Beek explained. “No, it was not cancer-related. Although with cancer everything’s like, ‘Why don’t we super-size that stomach virus?’”
The actor clarified that he was unable to attend the reunion in person due to illness, not because of cancer complications. Still, the reaction from fans was overwhelming.
Melvin noted that when Van Der Beek’s pre-recorded video played at the event, “a lot of folks were worried.” Van Der Beek acknowledged the concern with gratitude, saying it came from a place of love.
‘Dawson’s Creek’ Reunion Becomes Emotional Moment for Van Der Beek’s Family
Although Van Der Beek couldn’t attend the one-night-only charity reunion at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children were there to represent him.
“As crushed as I was not being able to go to that ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion, my family got to go,” Van Der Beek said with a smile. “They got a standing ovation just for taking their seats.”
The “Dancing With the Stars” alum added that seeing the love directed at his family instead of himself was deeply moving. “All that love that would have otherwise been directed at me was directed at my family. It was just one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever gotten to witness.”
The reunion featured cast members Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Busy Philipps, and more, who gathered for a live reading of the show’s pilot episode to benefit F Cancer. Van Der Beek appeared via video, thanking fans and introducing Lin-Manuel Miranda as his understudy.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he said in the message. “I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast, in person. I just want to thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight.”
Kimberly later echoed that gratitude, thanking the cast and the fans for delivering a night that “was so special to the whole family.”
“More importantly, just feeling my husband fill the entire theater and the love for him… we’ll be unwinding this one for a while. But thank you for the love and the support and for the prayers because this right here, friends, centers my husband on my heart. It was a beautiful night and I missed my husband. I can’t wait to get back to see him tomorrow.”
