James Van Der Beek Says He Wouldn’t Be “Alive” Without Wife Kimberly

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James Van Der Beek is leaning on his loved ones.

While continuing to fight stage 3 colorectal cancer, actor James Van Der Beek has spoken about the incredible support he’s received from his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children throughout his illness.

James credits his wife, Kimberly, with saving his life. Speaking on Today on December 19th, he explained that she has taken on the roles of caregiver, nurse, and head of the family, especially while raising their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emillia, 9, Gwendolyn, 8, and Jeremiah, 4.

He explained that while he always wanted to protect his children from seeing him struggle, he’s come to understand that building resilience – not just in themselves, but also by seeing him navigate challenges – is actually the most valuable thing he can give them.

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, which he announced in November 2024, the 48-year-old has been concentrating on the good things in his life.

He remembered thinking, ‘This is amazing news!’ the moment he heard it. He felt a strong sense that this event would push him to make positive changes he wouldn’t otherwise make, ultimately leading to a longer, happier life.

James noted that his health battle gave him a newfound perspective on life.

I never really understood the importance of slowing down before this,” he said, thinking back. “I wasn’t 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 it all along.

And it had also reminded him to embrace both the big and small experiences.

He shared that facing cancer has truly given him the gift of being present. Before his diagnosis, he experienced life as a series of moments he simply observed. Now, he finds he can fully immerse himself in each moment as it happens.

Kimberly recently shared how much she values her relationship with James, recalling their close connection while celebrating his birthday in March.

She shared on Instagram how much she treasures her husband, calling herself the luckiest woman in the world to be married to him. She wished him a year filled with joy, fun, a stronger faith, good health, and beauty, as well as precious moments with family, enjoying nature, and getting plenty of rest.

Follow James’s story and discover more inspiring accounts from others who have faced cancer.

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

Even after receiving difficult news, he shared in February 2025 – for the third time – that he was cancer-free, thanks to successful surgery and treatment.

In a February 2025 Instagram post, he reminded his followers that difficult times don’t define who they are – everyone is capable of more than their struggles. He shared that while he experiences fear, anxiety, and carries emotional wounds, he accepts them as part of himself, believing that acknowledging these things is the first step to healing and growth.

In December 2024, the star of The Golden Bachelor revealed he had been diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a type of bone cancer.

Gerry told People magazine that there’s no cure for his condition, which has deeply impacted every choice he makes. He described feeling completely overwhelmed when he first learned of it, like a huge weight had fallen on him, and admitted he initially 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 happily added that she was now cancer-free.

In September 2018, the actress known for her role in Desperate Housewives publicly announced she was a survivor of anal cancer. She posted on Instagram that sharing the news, along with a photo and the hashtags #cancer and #hairloss, made her feel incredibly relieved, free, and authentic.

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

Oh my gosh, Hugh Jackman had skin cancer again back in 2014! It was his third time dealing with basal cell carcinoma, which is so scary! But thankfully, his people told TopMob News that he’s totally okay now, and I honestly breathed a huge sigh of relief. I’m just so glad my Wolverine is doing well!

In April 2023, Hugh received two biopsies after discovering more basal cell carcinoma. He used the opportunity to remind his fans in the northern hemisphere to protect themselves from the sun by wearing sunscreen as summer approached.

The former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marked a year of being cancer-free in January. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2013 and had a complete hysterectomy as treatment.

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 the 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 thankful for the excellent care he received from The Skin Associates team, who quickly 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, despite the challenges.

A television personality has shared that 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 treat thyroid cancer. The mother of four shared on Twitter, “Thank you for all the well wishes! I’m home recovering and resting.”

The actress shared some amazing news on Twitter: her doctor called her on a Saturday morning to say she’s cancer-free! She celebrated with a joyful post, exclaiming, ‘#wootothemotherfkinhoo!’

As a lifestyle expert, I’m thrilled to share some wonderful news! The incredibly talented star of Up All Night has received a completely clear bill of health after bravely battling breast cancer. She underwent treatment and a double mastectomy, and thankfully, everything came back clear. It’s such an inspiring story of strength and resilience, and I’m sending her all my best wishes!

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

In October 2011, the Australian actress shared that doctors had removed a cancerous mole from her calf. She explained that her husband had urged her to get the mark checked, which led to the discovery and removal.

Okay, so I’ve got some really positive news to share! A friend of mine, a dedicated trainspotter from Scotland, recently had a mole removed near his right eye, and thankfully, everything’s looking great now. He’s back to enjoying his hobby, which is wonderful to see. It’s a good reminder for everyone to regularly check their skin and get anything unusual looked at – early detection is key!

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 skin cancer removed from under his left eye in 2008, the experienced CNN journalist likely protects his skin with sunscreen when he’s outside.

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

Oh my gosh, I was SO devastated when I found out Barry Watson from 7th Heaven had Hodgkin’s disease! He was only 28! It was just awful. But honestly? He’s 50 now and he looks amazing! Seriously, he’s doing so well and it makes me so happy to see him thriving!

The popular actress, known for her role on ER, stepped away from Parenthood in 2009 to battle breast cancer. Thankfully, 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.

The Academy Award-winning actor overcame prostate cancer in 2003 and has appeared in roughly 400 films since then.

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

After overcoming a battle with stage-four testicular cancer, the cyclist went on to win an incredible 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 an inspiration to many.

The comedian, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, used her experience with breast cancer as the basis for her popular one-woman show, God Said Ha!, which later became a Broadway hit.

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2025-12-19 19:18