James Van Der Beek Reflects on Life’s Hardest Year Amid Cancer Battle

LOS ANGELES, March 14, 2025 — James Van Der Beek has opened up about his difficult journey with colorectal cancer, sharing poignant reflections on life, family, and self-worth as he marked his 48th birthday.

In an emotional video posted on March 8, Van Der Beek revealed, “It has been the hardest year of my life.” Diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024, the actor expressed how his illness has transformed his understanding of his identity and roles within his family.

“When I was younger, I used to define myself as an actor, which was never really all that fulfilling. Then I became a husband, and that was much better. And then I became a father, and that was the ultimate,” he explained in his video. Van Der Beek has six children, Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 2, with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.

The actor reflected on how facing his mortality stripped him of the definitions he once clung to. “I had to come nose to nose with death,” he said, discussing how treatment kept him away from his family and altered his ability to fulfill his roles as a husband and provider. “I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife. I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them,” he added.

Van Der Beek shared how the experience forced him to reassess who he is. “If I am just a too-skinny, weak guy alone in an apartment with cancer, what am I?” He emphasized the importance of self-worth during this trying time. “I am worthy of God’s love, simply because I exist. And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?”

As he continues to navigate his health challenges, Van Der Beek thanked his supporters for their love and prayers. He ended his video with a message for his fans: “You are worthy of love. Because you are.”

Colorectal cancer, which begins in the colon or rectum, is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Upon announcing his diagnosis, Van Der Beek shared with PEOPLE that despite the struggles, he remained optimistic. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he had stated.

His wife, Kimberly, has been a source of support throughout his journey, acknowledging his struggles publicly on social media. She expressed her gratitude for their shared life and reflected on her husband’s strength, calling him a “treasure” in her life. With their family dynamics shifting during this difficult period, both have emphasized the importance of love and support as they face the challenges ahead.