James Van Der Beek, the beloved actor best known for his role in *Dawson’s Creek*, has always been open about his life. But when the news of his stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis hit, it was a different kind of vulnerability he had to face. Now, eight months after publicly revealing his diagnosis, James is reflecting on the difficult yet important conversation he had with his six children about his health battle.
Sitting down for an interview on *The Today Show* on July 30, the 48-year-old actor opened up about his decision to be honest with his kids. Alongside his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, James worked through the challenging process of explaining his illness to their children. The couple’s children — Olivia (14), Annabel (11), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (6), Joshua (13), and their youngest, Jeremiah (2) — are all incredibly perceptive, something James was fully aware of.
“I’m no expert,” James admitted in the interview, leaning forward on the couch, his tone serious yet compassionate. “But our approach was to be as honest as possible — honest in a way they could understand. Because they can sense what’s going on.”
The realization that his kids could feel his pain and struggle weighed heavily on James. He knew that if he didn’t address it head-on, it could leave them confused and scared. Children are not only intuitive, they also pick up on their parents’ emotions more acutely than most adults give them credit for. James explained that even though the kids were young, they could tell when something was wrong. “They know when Dad’s having a rough day. They can feel if something’s wrong,” he said, speaking candidly about the bond he shares with his children.
James elaborated, “If you don’t talk to them about it, I think it ends up being more confusing for them.” His honesty and openness with his kids weren’t just a way to alleviate his own guilt about hiding the truth; it also empowered them to support him through the tough moments. His approach provided his children with an understanding of the severity of the situation, while also creating a safe space for them to express their emotions.
His words were a stark contrast to the notion that children should be shielded from such painful truths. As parents, we often want to protect our children from the hard realities of life, but James firmly believes that honesty goes a long way. His children weren’t just passive observers — they became an integral part of his journey, offering their love and support in the most beautiful ways.
“Your journey becomes theirs in a way, and they want to support you,” James said, his voice filled with gratitude. “When you explain what’s happening and how you’re facing it, they really get it.”
He smiled as he shared one touching example of how his kids had stepped up for him. “My kids are the ones making me tea, asking, ‘What do you need, Dad?’ There’s been so much beauty in that,” he said, his eyes glistening with emotion. For James, it was the simple yet meaningful gestures of his children that helped him cope through the hardest moments. The support he received from them wasn’t just emotional; it was deeply physical as well. It was a reminder that, in times of adversity, the love and connection of family can make all the difference.
In addition to his emotional insight, James also had a powerful message for other parents facing similar challenges. He emphasized the importance of being open about health struggles, saying, “I’d love to help others avoid this path — which is why I’m encouraging everyone to get screened.” This wasn’t just about him and his family; James wanted to raise awareness about colon cancer, especially for those who might be facing it without the support or understanding that he had. The power of early detection can’t be overstated, and James used his platform to advocate for proactive healthcare.
As for his own journey, James gave a hopeful update about his health. “I feel great. Today’s a good day,” he said with a reassuring smile. Although the journey had been filled with uncertainties and emotional ups and downs, James remained optimistic. “It’s been a real journey — filled with ups and downs and a lot of uncertainty. Cancer is like a full-time job,” he reflected, admitting that even on the tough days, he was committed to staying positive and doing what was necessary to fight the disease.
The past year had been a whirlwind for James, one filled with treatments, hospital visits, and emotional turbulence. But through it all, his family remained his rock. His wife, Kimberly, had been by his side every step of the way, offering love and support as they navigated this difficult time together. James shared how grateful he was for the strength Kimberly provided, both for him and their children. “It’s a shared experience,” he said, acknowledging that the fight against cancer wasn’t just his battle; it was a battle that his whole family was in together.
This honesty and vulnerability from James Van Der Beek aren’t just about cancer. It’s a window into his character, his commitment to his family, and his desire to create a better world for his children. As an actor, he’s used to playing characters that deal with emotional complexity, but this real-life situation has provided him with a new depth of understanding about love, life, and loss.
Fans who have followed James since his early days on *Dawson’s Creek* and in other films can’t help but feel connected to him as he opens up about his personal life. His vulnerability has made him more relatable than ever. It’s clear that his experience with cancer has taught him valuable lessons about family, honesty, and the importance of living in the moment.
As James continues his journey, his message is simple but powerful: don’t hide the hard stuff from the people you love. Share it, embrace it, and let them support you as you navigate life’s toughest moments. After all, family is there not just in the good times, but especially in the moments that test us the most.