James van der Beek is navigating his recent cancer diagnosis with the help of one special person: his father.
Dawson’s Creek The star thanked his father, James William van der Beek, for his support in an emotional message shared via Instagram on Saturday, January 25. “The way you’ve shown up when I’ve been down and out this year — without having to ask, without expecting even a thank you … has not only been life-saving, but life-affirming,” Van der Beek wrote. , in honor of his father’s birthday.
“Switching to the farm when I’m away for treatment. Making lunches, making bonfires for @vanderkimberly, driving the kids, even taking care of the dogs and chickens (none of which you ever wanted and would never have had),” he continued.
The actor went on to thank his father for being there for him “emotionally” as he “moved through everything that cancer brings.”
“I know it’s out of your comfort zone, but especially after mom died, you’ve come through for me again and again and again in ways I didn’t even know I needed,” he added. “Watching you evolve, seeing the kind of man and father you are … gives me more confidence in myself than I can ever express. I feel so proud and lucky to have come from you. Thank you for being the best . Sometimes Period And I will keep my promise that we will never ask you to change Jeremiah’s diapers.”
The actor announced that he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024. “I have dealt privately with this diagnosis and taken steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he explained at the time. “There are reasons for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
The actor has been married to Kimberly van der Beek since 2010. The pair have six children together.
Their daughter Annabel shares a birthday with her grandfather. The actor also wrote the 11-year-old her message via Instagram on Saturday.
“There are sweet souls … and then there’s you. The softest, most empathetic heart I know. It’s been a really hard year for you to be so sensitive, and so attached to me, who hasn’t been good in so many moments – which I know you know without me having to be in the room,” he said.
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images for Operation Smile) James van der Beek has broken his silence after announcing his colorectal cancer diagnosis. Van Der Beek, 47, shared a slideshow via Instagram on Saturday, Nov. 3, which featured several photos of the Dawson’s Creek alum set to Richard La Forge’s song “Breeze Autumn.” Van der (…)
Van der Beek added, “From the moment you came out you had the ability to bring joy and peace to those around you simply by existing. You can continue to believe that and always know that your father sees you, and knows you , and I love everything about you. And I always will.
While speaking with Robin Roberts on Good morning America In December 2024, Van der Beek said he is physically feeling “really good” but the emotional impact of cancer treatment is “really a journey”.
“I will look back (on this) in 30 years and say: ‘Thank God this happened,'” Van der Beek added. “So what can I do now to make that matter? That’s how it was about 90% of the time. I’d say about 10% of the time I was a terrified, terrified mess.”
