James Van Der Beek Says Cancer Was “Best Thing” To Happen to Him

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James Van Der Beek is feeling grateful.

Over a year after first revealing his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis, the former Dawson’s Creek star recently discussed how facing the illness has had a positive effect on his life.

James shared with Craig Melvin on Today that when he received the news, he immediately felt it would be a turning point for the better. He explained that he had a strong feeling this diagnosis would push him to make life changes he never would have considered otherwise.

He believed these changes would help him live a longer, happier life. But what exactly were those changes?

Before this, I never prioritized taking things slow,” the 48-year-old shared. “I wasn’t really paying attention to what I was eating or how it affected me. But the biggest shift has been learning to love myself – realizing I deserve that love all along.

And it also gave James a newfound appreciation for the little moments in his life.

He shared that facing cancer has truly taught him the value of being present. Before his diagnosis, he experienced life as a series of moments he simply observed. Now, he feels able to fully immerse himself in each one, savoring the now.

James, who has six children – Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (11), Emillia (9), Gwendolyn (8), and Jeremiah (4) – with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, was especially touched when his oldest child acknowledged his work.

He had previously talked about how touching it was to see Olivia sing Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait”—the theme song from Dawson’s Creek—at the show’s reunion in September.

James shared on Instagram how impressed he was with Olivia, pointing out she was the same age as Dawson was when the show began. He wrote that seeing her confidently perform in a red dress, surrounded by people he’s known and cared about for years, left him amazed.

Despite getting sick with two stomach viruses, the 48-year-old was still able to participate in the New York City event—which featured alumni like Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Busy Philipps—by sending a pre-recorded video message.

After the charity event, his wife expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the touching celebration of the teen drama.

Kimberly shared on Instagram that the night was incredibly meaningful for her family. She especially cherished seeing her husband surrounded by so much support and feeling all the love for him in the theater.

It’s been so tough watching James fight colorectal cancer, and it’s really inspired me to learn more about other celebrities who’ve bravely shared their own cancer journeys. I’m keeping up with their stories, and wanted to share them with you too.

The former All My Children actor revealed in January 2025 that he has prostate cancer, making this his third time battling the disease.

After receiving difficult news, he happily shared in February 2025 that his cancer was gone, thanks to successful surgery and treatment. This was the third time he’d announced being cancer-free.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he reminded his followers that difficult times don’t define who you are. He wrote that we are all capable of more than our struggles. He explained that while he experiences fear, anxiety, and carries past hurts, he accepts them as part of himself, believing that acknowledging these things is the key to healing and growth.

The star of The Golden Bachelor announced in December 2024 that he has Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s currently no cure for his condition, which has deeply impacted his choices. He described feeling completely overwhelmed when he first learned about it, admitting he went through a period of denial and struggled to accept the diagnosis.

The actor, famous for his work in The Boys and Supernatural, announced on February 3, 2023, that he had successfully fought prostate cancer and was now in remission.

The Vanderpump Rules star shared with fans at the end of 2018 that she had some cancer removed and underwent biopsies of her lymph nodes. She later confirmed she was cancer-free.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this, but Marcia Cross, Marcia Cross from Desperate Housewives, actually went through anal cancer! She told us all back in September 2018, and it was so brave of her. She posted this picture, and then just… said it. #cancer #hairloss. She said it made her feel so free, like she could finally just be herself. Honestly, it was amazing to see, and I’ve been obsessed with her ever since!

Two-time Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman successfully completed cancer treatment. His representative confirmed to TopMob News that doctors declared him cured after surgery.

Hugh Jackman, known for his role in X-Men, received treatment for his third case of basal cell carcinoma in 2014. Following the treatment, his representative confirmed to TopMob News that he is now healthy.

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering more basal cell carcinomas. He used the opportunity to remind everyone in the northern hemisphere that summer was approaching and to protect their skin by wearing sunscreen.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always inspired by stories of strength and resilience, and I was so thrilled to hear that a former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star marked a full year of being cancer-free this January. She faced a really tough battle with endometrial cancer, diagnosed back in 2013, and bravely underwent a radical hysterectomy. It’s a powerful reminder to prioritize your health and celebrate every milestone!

Then in 2017, Camille had surgery to remove Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. 

The British celebrity chef revealed he had skin cancer treated with a procedure, sharing photos of stitches – a line running from below his ear to his jaw – which he later covered with a bandage.

Gordon shared on Instagram in August 2025 that he was very thankful for the team at The Skin Associates, who quickly and successfully removed a Basal Cell Carcinoma. He also reminded everyone to wear sunscreen this weekend.

“I promise you it’s not a face lift,” he added. “I’d need a refund…”

The actress known for her role in Avengers: Age of Ultron fought ovarian cancer at 25 and later happily welcomed two children with her husband, Taran Killam.

A television personality announced he had surgery for prostate cancer in July 2013 and has been cancer-free ever since.

The cohost of Dancing with the Stars had successful surgery to remove thyroid cancer. The mother of four shared on Twitter, “Thank you for all the support! I’m home recovering and resting.”

The actress shared exciting news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she was cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, writing, “#wootothemotherfkinhoo.”

As a wellness advocate, I’m thrilled to share some wonderful news! The incredibly talented actress from Up All Night recently completed her treatment and a double mastectomy, and doctors have confirmed she’s now completely cancer-free. It’s such an inspiring story of strength and recovery, and I’m sending her all my best wishes!

The Dexter star used a hiatus from his hit series to slay Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this! Back in October 2011, she shared that she had this mole removed from her calf, and it turned out to be cancerous! Thank goodness her husband noticed it and made her get it checked out – he totally saved her life, honestly. I was so relieved to hear it was caught early, and she’s okay! It just makes me love her even more, knowing she’s a survivor!

A man from Scotland is doing well after doctors successfully removed a cancerous mole from under his right eye.

The singer beat breast cancer in 2004 with a “minimally invasive” lumpectomy and radiation therapy.

The Oscar winner declared in early 2011 that his tumor was gone and he had throat cancer “beat.”

The Emmy winner whacked breast cancer in 2004.

After having a cancerous growth removed from under his left eye in 2008, the CNN journalist likely protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

The Australian pop star underwent successful surgery for breast cancer in 2005.

The actor from 7th Heaven was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 28 years old. Now 50, he’s doing well!

The popular actress had to leave her role on Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer, but fortunately, her treatment worked, and she quickly returned to public events.

The America’s Got Talent judge received a colon cancer diagnosis in 2002 while filming The Osbournes. She used this experience to highlight the need for regular check-ups and bravely fought the disease with chemotherapy. Thankfully, she was declared cancer-free the next year.

Let me tell you, it was incredibly inspiring when a beloved Oscar-winning actor bravely battled prostate cancer back in 2003. And honestly, he hasn’t slowed down since! He’s been incredibly prolific, appearing in around 400 films since then – a true testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.

In 2007, the Good Morning America cohost bravely showed off her shaved head while receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

After overcoming stage-four testicular cancer, the cyclist remarkably went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France championships.

After successfully battling breast cancer with a lumpectomy and chemotherapy in 2005, the Grammy and Oscar winner dedicated herself to activism and became a source of inspiration for others.

As someone who’s always believed in the power of laughter, even in tough times, I’ve been so inspired by Jackie Hoffman. She took her personal experience battling breast cancer and transformed it into something truly remarkable – her one-woman show, God Said Ha! It started as a way for her to process everything, and it resonated with so many people that it eventually made its way to Broadway. It’s a testament to her incredible talent and courage, and a beautiful reminder that humor can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.

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2025-12-19 16:48