James Van Der Beek Opens Up About His Cancer Battle
In an unexpected reveal, actor James Van Der Beek has announced his recent diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
Despite the sudden change in his announcement timeline, Van Der Beek remains positive and focused on his treatment. He emphasized his current well-being, describing himself as in a good place and feeling strong.
The Early Reveal Sparked By Media Pressure
Van Der Beek's statement explained that the accelerated announcement was due to a tabloid's plans to publish details about his health. "There’s no playbook for how to announce these things," he stated, expressing his original intent to control the narrative of his health journey.
He apologized to friends and family who had to learn about his diagnosis through the media, indicating the personal nature of his battle and his preference for privacy.
Family and Friends Rally in Support
Kimberly Van Der Beek, his wife, quickly showed her support on social media. Her comment, "I love you, baby," accompanied by a heart emoji, underlined the personal toll and familial support amidst his public ordeal.
Van Der Beek's resolve to raise awareness about cancer remains undeterred. He is involved in an upcoming Fox special, "The Real Full Monty," which aims to promote cancer testing and research.
James Van Der Beek's Continuing Advocacy and Work
This December, audiences will see Van Der Beek and other celebrities in "The Real Full Monty," which he had joined before his public revelation. His participation in this project reflects his commitment to supporting cancer awareness, a cause now closely linked to his personal experience.
Fellow actor Taye Diggs, who also stars in the special, spoke about the meaningful impact of their participation. Diggs highlighted the depth added to their performance, knowing Van Der Beek's personal stakes in promoting cancer awareness.
Professional Endeavors Amidst Personal Challenges
Despite his health challenges, Van Der Beek continues to engage with his acting career. He appeared in an episode of "Walker" this June and has a movie premiering on Tubi later this month, titled "Sidelined: The QB and Me."
His continued presence in the acting world, alongside his advocacy efforts, underscores his resilience and dedication to both his professional and personal life challenges.