James Van Der Beek Opens Up About How His Kids Are Handling His Cancer Diagnosis originally appeared on Parade.
James Van Der Beek knew he was in a tricky situation when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer last November.
The Dawson’s Creek star, 48, realized he and his wife, Kimberly, had to tell their six children about his diagnosis, and that was an intimidating endeavor.
“I’m far from an expert, but our approach was just be as honest as possible, as honest to the degree of their understanding, right?” Van Der Beek explained on the July 30 episode of TODAY.
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That method of being open and honest also goes for when Van Der Beek is having a tough day in his treatment regimen.
“Because they know. They can sense that Dad’s having a tough day. They know if Dad’s in pain. They know, and so by not telling them I think you’re confusing them even more,” Van Der Beek continued. “And just allow yourself to be surprised by their resiliency. When you tell them what you’re doing, and you tell them the approach, they can see it and they can feel it, and I think it’s also your journey is their journey.”
The kids also do their best to show up for their dad emotionally, making him tea and asking what he needs to feel his best. Van Der Beek said there’s a lot of beauty that has come out of the difficult experience.
Currently, Van der Beek said he’s “feeling great,” but the journey is constantly evolving.
“There are just so many ups and downs and so many unknowns. Cancer is, I call it a full-time job,” he noted.
Related: James Van Der Beek Shares Exciting Career News Amid Cancer Battle
James Van Der Beek Opens Up About How His Kids Are Handling His Cancer Diagnosis first appeared on Parade on Jul 30, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
