NEED TO KNOW
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James Van Der Beek revealed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024
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He shares six kids with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek
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The actor reflected on how he told his kids about his diagnosis in a new interview
James Van Der Beek is reflecting on how he told his six kids about his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Eight months after revealing his cancer diagnosis, the actor, 48, candidly explained how he talked to his children, whom he shares with wife Kimberly Van Der Beek, about his health journey.
“I’m far from an expert, but our approach was just to be as honest as possible, as honest to the degree of their understanding, right? Because they know,” said Van Der Beek during a Wednesday, July 30, appearance on the third hour of Today.
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The Dawson’s Creek alum said his children “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,” said Van Der Beek about his daughters Olivia, 14, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 6, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 2.
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Van Der Beek advised other parents who may be in the same situation to allow themselves to be surprised by their children’s 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,” he said, noting that parents should allow their children to show up for them emotionally.
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James Van Der Beek at Prime Video’s “Overcompensating” premiere on May 14, 2025
“I have kids making me tea. ‘Dad, what do you need?’ There’s been a lot of beauty that’s come out of it, but I would love to save everybody this journey, which is why I’m saying get screened,” said Van Der Beek.
As for how Van Der Beek is doing, he said he is “feeling great.”
“Today, I’m feeling great, yeah. It’s been a journey. There are just so many ups and downs and so many unknowns. Cancer is – I call it a full-time job,” he said.
While speaking about his health journey to PEOPLE in November, Van Der Beek said he was feeling grateful for the love around him amid his diagnosis.
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“I’ve really been so blessed with my wife and kids. I’ve got a lot to live for, and it’s a beautiful life,” he said.
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