James Van Der Beek Apologizes to Loved Ones Who Had to Learn of His Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis from Press: ‘No Playbook’

Mar. 15, 2025

James Van Der Beek.Photo:Vivien Killilea/Getty

Vivien Killilea/Getty

James Van Der Beekis expressing some pointed thoughts afterrevealing his colorectal cancer diagnosis.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Nov. 3, the star, 47, who shared his health newsexclusively with PEOPLE, apologized to his loved ones that had to learn about his diagnosis so suddenly via the media.

“It is cancer … Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them,” Van Der Beek began. “There’s no playbook for how announce these things, but I’d planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon … to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms. But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news.”

Detailing that he has “been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” the actor continued, “I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”

“Apologies to all the people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline… But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention,” Van Der Beek concluded. “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support. More to come …”

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

Casey Flanigan/IndieWire/Penske Media via Getty

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE earlier on Sunday, Nov. 3, Van Der Beek shared the health news.

“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,” he said in an exclusive statement.

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” theVarsity Bluesstar added.

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

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

FOX via Gett

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

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.

Next month, Van Der Beek is set to appear onThe Real Full Monty, a two-hour special where a group of male celebrities includingTaye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackleChris Jonesand longtimeDancing with the StarsjudgeBruno Tonioliwill strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.

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

source: people.com