James Van Der Beek Addresses Appearance Concerns After ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Reunion Video

James Van Der Beek is opening up about his health and addressing concerns from fans following his appearance in a recent Dawson’s Creek reunion video.

During an interview on Today on Friday, the actor shared an update on how he is doing amid his battle with colorectal cancer, revealing that he has been feeling progressively better each month.

“I feel a little bit better every month,” Van Der Beek said. “It’s required more of me—more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had.”

Fans began expressing concern after the actor was unable to attend a Dawson’s Creek reunion on Broadway in September. Van Der Beek instead appeared in a video message, during which viewers noticed he looked significantly thinner.

Addressing the speculation, he clarified that his weight loss was not related to his cancer.

“I lost so much weight because of a stomach virus,” he explained. “It was not cancer-related—thankfully. Although with cancer, everything feels like, ‘Why don’t we supersize that stomach virus?’”

While disappointed he couldn’t attend the reunion in person, Van Der Beek said he was grateful that his wife and children were able to be there on his behalf.

“They got a standing ovation just for taking their seats,” he recalled. “All the love that would have been directed at me was directed to my family instead. That was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever witnessed.”

Van Der Beek publicly announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024. Since then, he has found a renewed perspective on life and faith, focusing on spending quality time with his wife and six children at their ranch in Texas as he continues treatment.

“Before cancer, God was something I tried to fit into my life,” he said. “After cancer, I feel like a connection to God—whatever that is—is kind of the whole point of being here.”

Despite his health challenges, the 48-year-old actor has no plans to slow down professionally. He hopes to return to Broadway and has recently completed filming a Legally Blonde prequel series set to stream on Prime Video.

“Before cancer, I took all these beautiful moments as part of a collective,” he reflected. “Now I’m able to really settle into each exact moment. Presence is the gift that cancer has given me.”