James Van Der Beek made a heartbreaking health confession in November 2024, when he informed fans of his Stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis. He has continued to update fans on his life and the impact that his health has had, including how it has affected his children.
James Van Der Beek Discusses Cancer
Van Der Beek is married to Kimberly Van Der Beek, and together they have six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. Their children range in age from 14 years old to two years old.
The “Dawson’s Creek” actor revealed in an interview on “Today” on Wednesday, July 30, that his kids know about his cancer. He also revealed why he decided to tell them.
“I’m far from an expert, but our approach was just to be as honest as possible, as honest to the degree of their understanding, right? Because they know,” he said. He also admitted that his kids “can sense that Dad’s having a tough day.”
Van Der Beek commented on how children pick up on things, like when something is wrong or their loved ones are hurting. “They know if Dad’s in pain. They know, and so by not telling them, I think you’re confusing them even more,” he said. “When you tell them what you’re doing, and you tell them the approach, they can see it and they can feel it, and I think it’s also your journey is their journey.”
He continued, “I have kids making me tea. ‘Dad, what do you need?’ There’s been a lot of beauty that’s come out of it.” Van Der Beek also shared why he has been so vocal about cancer and his hopes to bring awareness. “But I would love to save everybody this journey, which is why I’m saying get screened,” he said.
James Van Der Beek’s Powerful DWTS Journey
Van Der Beek is open with fans about all aspects of his life, the good and the bad.
He competed on Season 28 of “Dancing with the Stars” alongside professional dancer Emma Slater, and his time on the show is still remembered fondly by fans. Slater has also discussed how the dance competition had a positive impact on Van Der Beek’s life, helping him process his wife’s miscarriage.
“He needed the show,” she told People in November 2019. “He said to me, ‘I need the show. I’m grateful to have an outlet and to have a form of physical expression, and keep that engine to keep me going. I need to feel normal and not fall into the pit.’”
The pair appears to have remained close. When Van Der Beek announced his cancer diagnosis, Slater showed her support publicly by commenting on his Instagram post.
