James Van Der Beek has addressed public concerns over his appearance, assuring fans that his noticeable weight loss was not a direct result of his cancer diagnosis. The actor, who is battling colorectal cancer, explained during a ‘Today’ show interview that a stomach virus caused him to miss a ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion in September and led to his gaunt look.
Van Der Beek, 48, was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023. His health battle has been public, but recent scrutiny arose after he made a virtual appearance at the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ cast reunion. Fans expressed worry when they saw his thin face during the Zoom call, prompting speculation about his condition.
In the interview with host Craig Melvin, Van Der Beek clarified that he had contracted a stomach bug right before the event. ‘I’d lost so much weight because of the stomach virus, yeah,’ he said. ‘No, it was not cancer related. Although with cancer everything’s like, ‘Why don’t we super-size that stomach virus?’’
The ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion was held as a charity benefit, raising funds for F Cancer and Van Der Beek’s treatment. It featured a table read of the show’s 1998 pilot episode with original cast members like Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson. Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to read Van Der Beek’s part due to his absence.
Despite not being physically present, Van Der Beek witnessed a touching moment when his family attended the event. ‘As crushed as I was not being able to go, my family got to go,’ he recalled. ‘I was Zooming in, and they got a standing ovation just for taking their seats. All that love was directed at my family, and it was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever witnessed.’
Van Der Beek became emotional describing this experience, crying over the outpouring of support. He emphasized his gratitude to the fans for their kindness. His wife, Kimberly, and their six children were present at the reunion, receiving the ovation that would have been for him.
Regarding his health, Van Der Beek stated that he feels ‘much, much better than I did a couple months ago.’ He acknowledged the challenges of his cancer journey, saying it has required more patience and strength than he anticipated. ‘It’s been a longer journey than I ever thought it would be,’ he added, but he remains optimistic.
The actor continues to undergo treatment for colorectal cancer, which is the third most common cancer in the United States. His openness about his condition aims to raise awareness and support for cancer research. Fans have rallied behind him, showing continued encouragement through social media and events like the reunion.
