Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, 47, reveals colorectal cancer diagnosis-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

James Van Der Beek has spoken about his cancer diagnosis for the first time (Picture: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images for Operation Smile)

James Van Der Beek has revealed he’s been diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 47.

The American actor is best known for his portrayal of Dawson Leery on The WB’s Dawson’s Creek.

He also played a fictional version of himself in Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23, starred in CSI: Cyber as FBI agent Elijah Mundo, and as Matt Bromley in the first season of the FX drama Pose.

In a new interview, the TV star assured fans that he’s remaining ‘optimistic’ as he deals ‘privately’ with his cancer.

Praising his family for their love and support, James said: ‘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.’

‘There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,’ he added to People.

James has continued working following his cancer diagnosis (Picture: Casey Flanigan/IndieWire/Penske Media via Getty Images)

He is best known for starring in Dawson’s Creek (Picture: LA Pictures)

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum.

It is also known as advanced bowel cancer and means that cancer has spread outside the bowel to other parts of the body. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK.

James is married to wife Kimberly, having tied the knot in Israel in August 2010. Just one month after their wedding, they welcomed their first child.

He and Kimberly now share six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

The star moved away from Los Angeles four years ago to embark on a new chapter with his loved ones in Texas.

Following his diagnosis, James has kept his spirits up and has continued working.

He recently appeared on an episode of Walker, and his next appearance on screens will be on November 29 in Sidelined: The QB and Me.

He has been married to wife Kimberly for 14 years (Picture: Rick Kern/Getty Images for Hilarity for Charity)

James will appear on The Full Monty in December (Picture: FOX via Getty Images)

Then, in December, he is due to appear on The Real Full Monty, stripping down to raise awareness of prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer.

Joining him for the routine will be ex-Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli, plus actor Taye Diggs, and Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones.

Earlier this year, James and his wife travelled to see the Egyptian pyramids and temples. 

Of the experience, he wrote on Instagram in June: ‘With all my vocabulary, “Wow,” is what fell out of my mouth most of the time. We were gifted a magical experience, one I’m still processing – and might be for the rest of my life.

‘The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms, I feel re-charged.’

He added that the once-in-a-lifetime trip felt ‘spiritual’ to him, saying he left the temples specifically ‘with reverence and awe’.

A few weeks later, he showered his wife with praise and compliments to mark their 14th wedding anniversary.

James is a proud dad to six children (Picture: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images for Operation Smile)

Seemingly in reference to his not-then-public diagnosis, he wrote in a caption: ‘Nothing could have prepared us for this past year – except perhaps the previous 12.

‘Thank you for being the most incredible partner. You’ve broken me open in spots I didn’t even know were locked, and taught me how to receive more love than I thought possible.’

‘In the past, I feel like you’ve always set the pace for our co-evolution, but this year, as I’ve gone through my own radical transformation, you’ve tirelessly put in the work and somehow managed to match it,’ he added.

‘Thank you for your courage, your strength, your vulnerability and your tenderness. I’m thrilled and grateful to get to do this life with you.
And now… let’s have a laugh. I love you beyond.
Happy anniversary. Thank you for being in the world. ❤️’, James said directly to Kimberly.

‘Welcoming our year of laughter. I love you baby!’, she commented in response.

Kimberly is James’s second wife, as he was first married to actress Heather Ann McComb from 2003 to 2009.

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