James Van Der Beek is best remembered for his breakout role as Dawson Leery in the 1998 drama series Dawson’s Creek, but many fans also recall his hilarious guest appearances on How I Met Your Mother as Robin Scherbatsky’s washed-up ex, Simon.
Over the years, Van Der Beek has shown he can handle just about any role that comes his way, be it drama or comedy. Now, though, he’s facing something far bigger than anything he’s taken on in front of the camera.
The American actor has been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, a condition that begins with abnormal cell growth in the colon or rectum and can spread to other parts of the body if untreated. A proud father of six, Van Der Beek is determined not to let the disease define him. From lifestyle changes to career adjustments, he’s navigating life under harsh conditions with resilience and strength.
James Van Der Beek surprised fans with an emotional message during the 'Dawson's Creek' reunion, after being forced to miss the event due to developing two stomach viruses.
"I wanted to stand on this stage and thank every single person in this theater," the actor, who's… pic.twitter.com/byYZy5rYKh
When Did James Van Der Beek Get Diagnosed With Cancer?
Van Der Beek took his time before speaking publicly about his health. Though he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, he chose to keep it private until November 2024, when he finally shared the news.
In an interview with People, he explained that it started with digestive issues. His bowel movements weren’t normal, and even after adjusting his diet, nothing improved. That’s when he decided to see a doctor, which led to the diagnosis.
I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee,” he recalled. “Or maybe not put cream in the coffee. But when I cut that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, ‘All right, I better get this checked out. He added, Then the gastroenterologist said–in his most pleasant bedside manner–that it was cancer. I think I went into shock.
Since then, Van Der Beek has been open about the fight. He has also spoken about telling his six children, a moment that showed just how heavy the diagnosis weighed on him. Speaking to TODAY.com, he shared:
I’m just on the journey. … It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.
It’s a painful situation, but one he refuses to let break him. Instead of denial or grief, Van Der Beek is focused on managing the illness, staying present for his family, and making the best of every step forward.
Changes That Van Der Beek Made in His Life After Being Diagnosed With Cancer
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After the diagnosis, Van Der Beek didn’t wait around. He treated managing cancer like a full-time job and made practical changes quickly. He added daily stretching and yoga to stay mobile and calm, prioritized sleep, and slowed his schedule. He told TODAY.com:
The beauty of just taking things a little bit more slowly and prioritizing rest and really allowing that to be the job.
Diet became a major focus. According to Fox News, Van Der Beek overhauled what he eats: No gluten, no dairy, no seed oils, and he’s eating organic. Those cuts, plus a keto approach, have been part of his plan to reduce inflammation and feel better. He’s leaned into organic groceries, careful meal prep, and routines that make sticking to the diet easier.
Beyond exercise and food, Van Der Beek has focused on simplifying his life. He’s cut back on public appearances and on work that would drain him, choosing projects that fit around treatment and family. He’s also leaned on routines that keep stress down: meal planning, controlled work blocks, and making time for his wife and six children.
Another major shift: the family moved from Los Angeles to a quiet ranch in Texas. The slower days and more time outdoors help him focus on healing while keeping his family life intact.
Despite Cancer Struggles, Van Der Beek Continues to Keep His Acting Career Alive
Despite the health struggles and lifestyle changes, one space where James Van Der Beek finds relief is on set. When the cameras start rolling and the director calls “action,” he gets to step out of his own reality and into another world. Acting allows him to forget the daily weight of cancer for a moment, and it’s clear he’s not ready to let go of that escape.
In May 2025, Van Der Beek announced he was officially returning to acting. He revealed on Instagram that he had joined the cast of Legally Blonde: Ellie, a prequel series to the 2001 hit movie.
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Sharing a screenshot of a Deadline article, he captioned it:
So, this is exciting… I’m going back to work for a bit. Super excited to join this awesome cast in such a fun project. Almost as excited as my wife and girls are that I’m doing this. #LegallyBlonde #Elle.
Reese Witherspoon, who starred as Elle Woods in the original films and serves as an executive producer on the series, congratulated him on the new role. Beyond Ellie, Van Der Beek has also lined up projects like Sideline 2: Intercepted and the TV movie Sidelined: The QB and Me. He even popped up in an episode of Walker.
For Van Der Beek, continuing to work proves that while cancer has forced him to slow down, it hasn’t silenced his passion for acting.
Health Struggles Lead to Him Canceling on Dawson’s Creek Reunion but Give a Surprise to the Fans
James Van Der Beek, who first rose to fame through Dawson’s Creek, had fans buzzing with excitement when a charity reunion was announced for September 22. The event was meant to bring the beloved cast back together on stage, but due to health struggles, Van Der Beek couldn’t be there in person. Still, he refused to let fans down and came with a heartfelt surprise.
Although he couldn’t attend live, Van Der Beek made a virtual appearance. The event, held at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, featured a video message from the actor projected on the big screen. In it, he thanked fans for supporting the reunion, shared how much he missed his castmates, and expressed his sadness at not being able to join them.
I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” Van Der Beek said. I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person, and just I want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you – you are the best fans in the world.
A day before the reunion, Van Der Beek revealed via Instagram that he was battling two different stomach viruses, which ultimately prevented him from attending in person.
What’s your favorite James Van Der Beek role? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
