James Van Der Beek Reveals Life-Changing Lessons From Cancer Battle: ‘Best Thing to Ever Happen’

James Van Der Beek says his cancer diagnosis has changed his life in ways he never expected.

The Dawson’s Creek star, 48, welcomed Today’s Craig Melvin to his Texas home for a sit-down interview that aired on Friday, December 19. He admitted the diagnosis of stage III colorectal cancer was initially a “shock” but has ultimately made him more positive and hopeful than ever.

“One of the things I was really lucky about was as soon as I heard the news, I thought, ‘This is gonna be the best thing to ever happen to me,’” Van Der Beek said, according to Us Weekly.

“I had this little voice in my head that said, ‘You’re gonna make changes in your life that you would never, ever make if you didn’t have this extreme of a diagnosis, and it’s gonna add healthy, happy years to your life,” he continued.

In November 2024, Van Der Beek revealed on social media that he was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. Although his optimism remains high, he acknowledged the toll it’s taken on him physically and mentally.

“I feel a little bit better every month. It’s required more of me — more patience, more discipline. More strength than I knew I had. I knew I was strong, I didn’t know I was this strong,” he said.

The actor has also embraced slowing down and practicing self-care.

“I don’t think I knew what it was to slow down before… to really look at everything I eat, everything I put in my body. Really, the biggest change I’d say would be this journey of self-love. What I realized was, I’m still worthy of love. My own love, God’s love,” he explained.

“Before cancer, God was something I tried to fit into my life as much as possible. After cancer, I feel like a connection to God, whatever that is, is kind of the whole point of this exercise on this planet,” he added.

Van Der Beek also addressed missing the Dawson’s Creek reunion on Broadway in September and his noticeable weight loss in a video he recorded for the show, which sparked fan concerns.

“I’d lost so much weight because of the stomach virus,” he clarified, adding it was “not cancer-related.”

“Although with cancer, everything’s like, ‘Why don’t we supersize that stomach virus?’” he said.

While the actor was “crushed” to miss the iconic night, he said he was touched by the audience’s reaction to his family’s attendance.

“And they got a standing ovation just for taking their seats. And all that love that would’ve otherwise been directed at me, was directed at my family. It was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever gotten to witness. I’m just so grateful to the fans for doing that.”

Van Der Beek has been married to his wife Kimberly since 2010. They share six children together.