James Van Der Beek is stepping back into the spotlight and opening up about his ongoing cancer journey. The “Dawson’s Creek’ was a beaming “ray of positivity” ahead of his upcoming “Today” show appearance.
James Van Der Beek Appears in New Photos Ahead of ‘Today’ Interview
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, “Today” co-host Craig Melvin shared a series of photos on Instagram alongside Van Der Beek, 48, taken at the actor’s Texas ranch.
“Spent the day in TX on James Van Der Beek’s ranch,” Melvin, 46, captioned the post. He added that despite gloomy weather, Van Der Beek’s outlook stood out.
“Overcast and dreary outside but James is quite the ray of positivity these days. It was refreshing and inspiring,” Melvin added in the caption before sharing a glimpse of his and Van Der Beek’s conversation. “We talked about where he is on his journey, the importance of cancer screenings, and how he’s finding joy in family and faith.”
The pre-taped interview is scheduled to air Friday, Dec. 19, on “Today.”
Van Der Beek publicly shared in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. In a statement to People, he said, “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
The ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Alum Opens Up About Symptoms and Diagnosis
Van Der Beek later explained that symptoms first appeared in the summer of 2023, though he initially dismissed them as diet-related.
“I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee,” he recalled. “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 doctors confirmed the diagnosis, the moment was overwhelming. “I think I went into shock,” the DWTS alum admitted.
The “Varsity Blues” actor shares six children — Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah — with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek. Family has remained central throughout his treatment.
Van Der Beek was initially scheduled to appear on “Today” earlier this month but postponed after developing pink eye. Joking about the delay, he wrote on Instagram, “Tell me you have kids without telling me you have kids,” adding, “Sorry @today @craigmelvinnbc for having to push.”
Despite setbacks, Van Der Beek has continued to update fans. In July, he told “Today,” “I’m feeling great. It’s been a journey. There are just so many ups and downs and so many unknowns. Cancer is — I call it a full-time job.”
James Van Der Beek Continues to Inspire Fans Amid Health Battle
In September, he made a surprise virtual appearance at a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion charity event at the Richard Rodgers Theatre after illness prevented him from attending in person.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he told the audience in a pre-recorded message. “I want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here.”
The event, which benefited F Cancer and Van Der Beek, featured cast members including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Busy Philipps. Kimberly and the couple’s children attended and joined the cast onstage for a rendition of Paula Cole’s theme song, “I Don’t Want to Wait.”
