james van der beekHe is best known for his role as Dawson Leery in “. dawson’s creekhas been battling cancer for at least a year. Fans were concerned about James’ health earlier this year when he skipped an in-person charity event with his former co-stars.
“I’ve been looking forward to this night for months and months since the angel came.” Michelle Williams She said she was putting it together,” James said in a pre-recorded clip from the September 2025 surprise. dawson’s creek Charity event held in New York City. “I can’t believe I won’t be there. I can’t believe I won’t be able to see my castmates and the beautiful cast in person. … And I just want to thank everyone in the theater for standing on that stage and being here tonight. From the cast to the crew, to everyone who has done something and been so generous, and especially every single one of you at the end – you are the best fans in the world.”
below, hollywood life It details James’ battle with cancer and his current status.
What kind of cancer does James Van Der Beek have?
James revealed in November 2024 that he had stage 3 colorectal cancer.
“I have personally dealt with this diagnosis and, with the support of my wonderful family, have taken steps towards resolution,” he said. people at that time. “There is reason for optimism and I feel good.”
The actor admitted that “cancer was always tied to age and an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle,” but learned that wasn’t always the case.
“But I was in amazing cardiovascular condition,” James noted. “I tried to eat healthy, or as far as I knew at the time. …Then the gastroenterologist, in a very pleasant manner at my bedside, said it was cancer. I think I was shocked.”
Is there a cure for colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer can be treated with surgery, but it must be detected early. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these surgeries include polypectomy to remove cancerous polyps, partial colectomy to remove part of the colon, radiofrequency ablation (which uses heat to destroy cancerous cells), and chemotherapy.
What is James Van Der Beek’s illness now?
In July 2025, James said: today He seemed to be “feeling really good” even though it had been “a tough journey”.
“There are so many ups and downs and so many unknowns.” varsity blues Starr pointed out. “Cancer, I call it a full-time job…It’s a process. It’s probably going to continue throughout the rest of my life.”
Two months later, James had to miss a face-to-face meeting. dawson’s creek A charity event was held at New York City’s Richard Rodgers Theater in response to two stomach viruses. Lin-Manuel Miranda was his replacement, and James’s wife and children were in the audience in his place.
Nevertheless, James surprised fans by appearing virtually to thank them and his dawson’s creek castmate.
“Thank you for coming. I’m really humbled by how much you’ve done for tonight. I just want to say thank you,” he said. “Thank you to everyone here.”
In November of that year, James found a way to sell autographed merchandise to raise money for his treatment and to support other families battling cancer. varsity blues He is wearing the jersey, he shared in an Instagram video.
