James van der Beek Already reflects the difficulties after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in the past year
The 48-year-old actor shared how his health struggles made him question his value and location and described how his cancer affected his wife and family through recent Instagram videos.
(Van der Beek has married his wife Kimberly Since 2010, the couple has shared six children: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, Jeremiah, 2.
Van der Beek began in the video posted to mark his 48th birthday. “When I was younger, I used to define myself as an actor, and it was never really satisfying. Then I became a husband, that was much better. Then I became a father, and that was ultimately.”
Van der Beek explained that it was important to him to define himself as a “loved, capable, strong, supportive husband, father, provider, steward of the land”. According to Van Der Beek, his cancer abandons the solid definition he maintained so deeply.
“And then, this year, I had to look at my own mortality rate. I’m dead, nose,” he said. “All the definitions I care so much about are stripped from me. I’m going to get treatment, so I can never be a husband who will help my wife. I can never be a father who can pick up children, put them in bed and serve them.
He continued: “I can’t be a provider because I don’t have a job. I can’t even be a steward of the land because sometimes I’m too weak to prune all the trees in the windows where you should prune them.”
Van der Beek went on to explain that he worked hard to solve the problem: “Who am I?”
“So, I’m facing a question: If I’m here a slim skinny guy, a man, in a cancer apartment, what am I?” Dawson’s Creek Alum reflected.
James van der Beek focused on his recovery after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. “I’m very cautiously optimistic. I’m in the place where I recover, the energy level is great.” Van der Beek, 47, […]
Ultimately, Van der Beek came to the conclusion that despite his changing circumstances, he still deserves to be loved by himself.
“I meditate and the answer is fulfilled. I deserve God’s love simply because I exist. If I deserve God’s love, shouldn’t I deserve myself?” he said.
Van der Beek first revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
“I’ve been dealing with this diagnosis privately and have taken steps to address it with the support of my incredible family,” he explained. “I feel good with optimistic reasons.”
