James Van Der Beek ‘Staying Positive’ Amid Cancer Battle, But Loved Ones Remain ‘Worried’

James Van Der Beek is maintaining a good mindset when it comes to his illness, according to a source.

The Dawson’s Creek alum, 48, is currently battling Stage 3 colorectal cancer, and a source tells Star, “he’s staying positive and upbeat, and doesn’t want anyone to worry about it.”

The source says Van Der Beek is “still doing everything he can work-wise” and was “upset he couldn’t make the reunion in person,” referring to the Monday, September 22, Dawson’s Creek reunion, which consisted of the cast members giving a pilot reading at Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.

“He’s being a rock-solid friend to everyone who knows him, a perfect colleague and husband, and an amazing dad to his kids,” the source adds.

However, the source notes that while his loved ones are “proud of him for being a fighter and an optimist,” that doesn’t change the fact that it’s “very difficult to see him this way.”

“They’re worried about him regardless of what he says,” the source claims.

As Star previously reported, on Monday, September 22, Van Der Beek shared a statement via Instagram announcing that he would not be attending the reunion.

“You can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission and keep me grounded at the worst possible moment,” he wrote in part.

However, the Varsity Blues actor’s wife and six children made a surprise appearance onstage in honor of him, and Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to play Dawson in the reading.

Van Der Beek also made a pre-recorded video that was played at the event, where he thanked his fans for their support and expressed his disappointment at having to miss out.

“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he admitted in the video. “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my castmates.”