James Van Der Beek Reflects on Battling Cancer

James Van Der Beek recently shared his thoughts on a challenging year following his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis. The actor, now 48, opened up about how this fight has affected him, his sense of worth, and his family.

Married since 2010 to Kimberley, Van Der Beek has six children: Olivia (14), Joshua (13), Annabel (11), Emilia (8), Gwendolyn (6), and Jeremiah (2). In an Instagram video celebrating his 48th birthday, he expressed the wisdom gained from his struggles.

"It has been the hardest year of my life," he began. "When younger, I defined myself as an actor. That was unfulfilling. Becoming a husband felt much better, and then fatherhood became the ultimate joy." He emphasized the importance of seeing himself as a "loving, capable, strong, supportive husband, father, provider, and steward of the land."

However, cancer challenged that self-definition. "This year, I confronted my mortality and came nose to nose with death," he revealed. The distintos in his identity began to fade. Treatment required his absence, leaving him unable to support his wife, care for his children, or fulfill his responsibilities, such as maintaining their property.

Van Der Beek faced a profound question during this struggle: "Who am I?"

He described grappling with feelings of being merely a "too-skinny, weak guy, alone with cancer." Despite these harsh circumstances, he ultimately found reassurance in self-worth.

His meditation provided clarity. "I realized I am worthy of God’s love simply for my existence. If I deserve God’s love, shouldn't I also love myself?" he concluded.

Van Der Beek initially shared his cancer diagnosis in November 2024. "I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and taking steps with the support of my family," he stated at that time. "There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good."

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