James Van Der Beek said cancer battle was ‘best thing that ever happened’ to him prior to tragic death at 48

by

James Van Der Beek remained optimistic even as he faced health challenges, and sadly passed away on Wednesday at the age of 48.

Two months ago, Van Der Beek surprisingly called his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis a positive turning point in his life. He explained that it led to beneficial changes in how he approached daily life and his overall perspective.

James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, recently shared with Today how a health diagnosis actually helped him improve his life by encouraging him to make important changes.

Following the news of James Van Der Beek’s death on Wednesday, many in the entertainment industry fondly remembered him. He once shared that even after receiving a difficult diagnosis, he found a positive side, recalling he’d heard ‘a little voice’ pointing it out.

James Van Der Beek, known for shows like Varsity Blues, One Tree Hill, and CSI: Cyber, realized that receiving a serious diagnosis would lead him to make life changes he wouldn’t otherwise consider.

James Van Der Beek, who has six children with his wife Kimberly, 44, shared that he expects these changes to lead to a longer and happier life.

Van Der Beek explained to NBC’s Craig Melvin that receiving a diagnosis helped him shift his perspective, which in turn positively affected his overall well-being.

Van Der Beek admitted he used to live at a very fast pace and didn’t pay attention to his health. He said he wasn’t aware of the importance of slowing down and being mindful of what he consumed.

He explained that before his cancer diagnosis, he didn’t really notice individual moments – he just experienced life as a whole, being fully present and aware of everything around him.

I’ve learned to truly appreciate and be fully present in each moment, and that’s a gift I’ve received through my experience with cancer.

Van Der Beek shared that dealing with his health issues publicly was surprisingly positive. He was deeply touched by the support and kind messages he received from loved ones and fans.

Van Der Beek shared that many people reached out to offer support, saying things like, ‘I’m praying for you,’ ‘I hope things get better,’ and ‘How are you holding up?’

Said the actor: ‘I never expected that. I never just stopped to appreciate what I’d done.

I truly appreciate it whenever someone tells me they’re praying for me or wishing me well.

Van Der Beek shared that the most significant shift he’s experienced has been learning to love himself. He explained he came to the realization that he deserves love – both his own and divine love.

Van Der Beek shared that although he was feeling better, his fight against cancer was taking much longer than he originally expected.

The actor explained that the role demanded more from him than he expected, pushing him to discover new levels of patience, discipline, and inner strength.

James, age 48, is remembered by his children and their families. He leaves behind Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3.

Kimberly shared the sad news on Instagram Wednesday, announcing that her husband, James David Van Der Beek, had passed away peacefully that morning.

He faced his final days bravely, with strong faith and dignity. We will share more soon about his hopes, his deep care for others, and how much he valued every moment. The time to do so will arrive.

She concluded by asking for privacy and peace as they mourn the loss of their beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Read More

2026-02-12 02:52