Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has shared a heartfelt update on his ongoing battle with cancer.
The actor, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer) in August 2023, appeared smiling in a recent social media post shared by his wife Kimberly.
In the photo posted on Saturday, James is seen sitting with his father standing beside him — a touching reminder of the steady support his dad continues to provide.
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“Happy day,” Kimberly simply captioned the sweet moment.
Although the exact date of the photo isn’t mentioned, it captures a tender moment between father and son, with James appearing in good spirits amid his ongoing health battle.
James has been open about his close relationship with his father and the support he’s received since his diagnosis. He previously revealed his dad moved to the family’s ranch to help out while he is away for treatment, supporting Kimberly and the couple’s six children.
Fans of the actor — who played the character Dawson Leery in the beloved teen drama — were relieved to see him looking well.
“James is looking great. Must be all the healing energy the world has been sending him,” one fan commented.
“OH MY HEART! He looks so happy and so good! Keep fighting James! This world needs you!” another shared.
These messages of love and relief come shortly after James’s most recent public appearance during a Dawson’s Creek reunion in September.
The reunion took place at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, where former cast members gathered for a live reading of the show’s 1998 pilot episode in support of charity F Cancer.
Though James was unable to attend the event in person due to battling two stomach viruses, he recorded an emotional message that was played for the audience.
“I have been looking forward to this night for months and months and months, ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” James said in the clip.
“I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my castmates, my beautiful cast in person.”
Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003, launched the careers of James, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson — all of whom attended the reunion.
“And, just, I want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theatre for being here tonight,” James continued in the pre-recorded video.
“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.”
As well as thanking fans, James also introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda as his “understudy”, joking that the Hamilton creator was an “upgrade” as he stepped in for James at the event.
Following the reunion, Kimberly posted a heartfelt reflection on how much the event meant to them.
“This night was so special to the whole family,” she shared.
“More importantly, just feeling my husband fill the entire theatre and all the love for him. We’ll be unwinding this one for a while. Thanks for the love support and the prayers.”
