James Van Der Beek opens up about his stage 3 colorectal cancer journey on the Today show this morning, sharing how faith and family are sustaining him through treatment and recovery. The 48-year-old actor sat down with Craig Melvin in an emotional interview that aired December 19, discussing both his medical journey and the silver lining he’s discovered along the way.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Diagnosis revealed in November 2024 after privately dealing with the condition since August 2023
- Van Der Beek described as a “ray of positivity” by Today host Craig Melvin during their Texas ranch interview
- The actor has six children with wife Kimberly who provide emotional support throughout his journey
- Initial symptoms began as changes in bowel movements, which Van Der Beek initially attributed to his diet
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Van Der Beek was diagnosed on August 31, 2023, but kept the news private for over two months before announcing it publicly in November 2024. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he told People magazine at the time.
The Dawson’s Creek star initially dismissed warning signs in the summer of 2023. “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.”
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When a gastroenterologist delivered the cancer diagnosis after his colonoscopy, Van Der Beek admitted the news hit him hard. “I felt really good coming out of anesthesia, that I’d finally done it,” he shared. “Then they said it was cancer. I think I went into shock.”
Finding Joy Through Faith and Family Support
Craig Melvin traveled to Van Der Beek’s Texas ranch to conduct the deeply personal interview that aired this morning. “James is quite the ray of positivity these days,” Melvin shared on Instagram before the segment aired. “We talked about where he is on his journey, the importance of cancer screenings, and how he’s finding joy in family and faith.”
Van Der Beek has been open about leaning on his faith as a spiritual anchor during treatment. In previous interviews, he referenced divine intervention, saying “we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.”
His wife Kimberly and their six children—Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah—have become central to his recovery mindset. The family has rallied around him, with Kimberly publicly expressing her pride in his resilience and describing him as “bouncing back” from the diagnosis.
Treatment Journey and Cancer Screenings Education
| Aspect | Details |
| Diagnosis Date | August 31, 2023 |
| Public Announcement | November 2024 (13 months later) |
| Cancer Classification | Stage 3 colorectal cancer |
| Age at Diagnosis | 47 years old |
| Key Theme | “A process for the rest of my life” (as stated July 2025) |
Van Der Beek has been vocal about the importance of colorectal cancer screenings, particularly for those who might dismiss early warning signs. In July 2025, he told Today that managing his condition is “a full-time job” with “so many ups and downs and so many unknowns,” but emphasized there’s reason for optimism.
This morning’s interview reinforces his commitment to raising awareness. By discussing his journey openly on national television, van Der Beek hopes to encourage viewers to take their health seriously and not ignore subtle changes in their bodies.
Fundraising Efforts and Community Impact
Beyond his personal recovery, the Varsity Blues and Pose star has channeled his experience into meaningful action. He’s been auctioning memorabilia from his legendary roles to raise funds for cancer treatment—both for himself and to support other families facing similar battles.
In December 2025, Van Der Beek auctioned off his iconic Varsity Blues jersey, raising over $47,000 through a partnership with the auction site Propstore. Other items from Dawson’s Creek also went to auction, demonstrating his willingness to part with cherished career mementos for a greater cause.
His fundraising efforts resonate with fans and the broader cancer community, who’ve expressed overwhelming support. One fan commented: “Thank you James for your courage and speaking about your journey. You’re helping others.”
What Does Van Der Beek Want Viewers to Take Away from His Story?
With his Today show appearance this morning, Van Der Beek sends a message that cancer doesn’t define a person’s entire identity or future. Though calling himself “optimistic,” he’s realistic about the road ahead—acknowledging that his cancer journey will likely be “a process for the rest of my life.”
Craig Melvin’s decision to conduct this interview carries special weight, as the Today host lost his own brother, Lawrence Meadows, to colorectal cancer at age 43 in December 2020. Melvin has dedicated himself to raising colorectal cancer awareness through the annual Bottoms Up Invitational golf tournament and his Melvin Made candle company, with proceeds benefiting cancer charities.
“Overcast and dreary outside but James is quite the ray of positivity these days. It was refreshing and inspiring. We talked about where he is on his journey, the importance of cancer screenings, and how he’s finding joy in family and faith.”
— Craig Melvin, Today Show Host
Sources
- People magazine – Exclusive cancer diagnosis interview and health updates
- Today show – Health segment interviews and appearance details
- Hello! Magazine – Interview preview and family background information
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.