James Van Der Beek Reflects on Life Lessons from Stage 3 Cancer Battle

The actor shares how his diagnosis challenged his identity and strengthened his perspective on self-worth and love.

James Van Der Beek revealed his diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024, calling the past year the hardest of his life.
The actor shared how his illness forced him to confront his own mortality and reevaluate his sense of identity, which was deeply tied to being a husband, father, and provider.
During treatment, Van Der Beek struggled with feelings of helplessness as he could not fulfill his usual roles for his wife and six children.
Through meditation and reflection, he found solace in the belief that he is worthy of love simply because he exists, a realization he credits to the support and prayers of others.
Van Der Beek expressed cautious optimism about his recovery and emphasized the importance of self-love and faith in his ongoing journey.