James Van Der Beek, 47, Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer: 'There’s Reason for Optimism, and I’m Feeling Good' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

James Van Der Beekhas colorectal cancer, PEOPLE can confirm.

“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the star, 47, tells PEOPLE exclusively.

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” Van Der Beek adds.

Colorectal cancer, per theAmerican Cancer Society, starts in the colon or the rectum, which make up the large intestine in the digestive system.

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James Van Der Beek in ‘The Real Full Monty.'.FOX via Gett

FOX via Gett

Despite the diagnosis, Van Der Beek has actively been working as he navigates his care.

He recently appeared on an episode ofWalkerand he is next set to star inSidelined: The QB and Me, a Tubi original film out Nov. 29.

Van Der Beek has also prioritized time with his family — wifeKimberly Van Der Beekand theirsix kids: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

James Van Der Beek.Casey Flanigan/IndieWire/Penske Media via Getty

Casey Flanigan/IndieWire/Penske Media via Getty

Back in June, the grouptook a memorable trip to Egypt. In an Instagram post, theVarsity Bluesalum shared photos of himself and his family posing with a camel, looking at the Egyptian pyramids and more.

“#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, ‘Wow’ is what fell out of my mouth most of the time. We were gifted a magical experience, one I’m still processing - and might be for the rest of my life,” Van Der Beek wrote, in part, in his caption. “The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms, I feel recharged.”

James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek.Rick Kern/Getty

Rick Kern/Getty

Later in December, Van Der Beek is set to appear onThe Real Full Monty, a two-hour special where a group of male celebrities will strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.

Alongside the star, the special will also feature fellow actorTaye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackleChris Jonesand longtimeDancing with the StarsjudgeBruno Tonioli.

“Embarrassingly, I thought I was just doing Anthony Anderson a favor and supporting cancer. But then once we got there and we really started to talk about these issues, everyone started opening up and we got to know each other on a different level,” Diggs recentlytold PEOPLEof the special.

The Real Full Montyis set to premiere on Dec. 9.

source: people.com