James Van Der Beek, is an actor best known for his popular role as Dawson Leery on the teen drama series Dawson’s Creek. Recently, PEOPLE has confirmed the actor has colon cancer.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the 47-year-old actor told PEOPLE. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
Per The Cleveland Clinic, “Colon cancer develops from polyps (growths) in your colon’s inner lining. If untreated, colon cancer may spread to other areas of your body.”
Even though the star is going through cancer treatment, he continues to work. Van Der Beek recently guest-starred on the popular series Walker. Up next, he’ll headline Sidelined: The QB and Me, a Tubi original film set to premiere on November 29, 2024.
This December, James Van Der Beek will participate in The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special aimed at raising awareness about prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research. Joining Van Der Beek are actor Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, and Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli, who will all take part in the bold effort to support men’s health initiatives.
Outside of acting, Van Der Beek is a devoted father. He and his wife, Kimberly Brook, whom he married in 2010, have six children. Known for his openness about personal experiences, Van Der Beek has shared his family’s journey through loss and resilience, including their experiences with miscarriages. He continues to engage with his fanbase, offering glimpses into his life on social media.
Van Der Beek was born March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut. He was raised in a family with Dutch and English heritage. His pursuit of acting started early. He started acting in school plays and, at 16, convinced his mother to take him to New York City to find an agent.
In 1993, Van Der Beek made his professional acting debut in the off-Broadway play Finding the Sun, written by Edward Albee. His television breakthrough came in 1998 with Dawson’s Creek, a show that became a cultural phenomenon and ran for six seasons, making him a household name.
Following Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek starred in movies such as Varsity Blues (1999) and The Rules of Attraction (2002). In later years, he displayed his comedic talent by playing a fictionalized version of himself in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 and appeared in CSI: Cyber, among other television roles.