James Van Der Beek Shared a Powerful Message About Cancer Shortly Before His Death

In his final televised appearance, just two months before he passed away on February 11, James Van Der Beek radiated an unexpected sense of peace. Speaking from his home with Today’s Craig Melvin in December 2025, the forty-eight-year-old actor reflected on a three-year battle with colorectal cancer that had completely reshaped his understanding of strength.

He noted that he felt much, much better than I did a couple of months ago, admitting the journey had demanded more discipline and patience than he ever knew he possessed. The diagnosis came in 2023 after a routine colonoscopy, prompted by a gut feeling that something was off, despite having symptoms that didn’t feel particularly alarming.

Van Der Beek recalled the moment his doctor delivered the news while he was still recovering from anesthesia, describing a period of immediate shock where he and his wife, Kimberly, drove home in total silence. While part of his brain wanted to panic, another part instinctively told him that this is gonna be the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

This radical optimism allowed the actor to view his illness as a catalyst for life-changing habits that he might never have adopted otherwise. He believed the diagnosis was a message from his own mind, telling him he would make changes that would ultimately add healthy, happy years to his life.

This mindset shifted his focus toward total presence, transforming “beautiful little moments” that he once took for granted into a profound sense of gratitude for the exact second he was living in.

Van Der Beek was also deeply committed to being transparent with his six children, believing that resilience is built through honesty rather than by shielding them from the truth.

He recognized that kids intuitively know when a parent is in pain, and he chose to prioritize being a Super Dad through vulnerability rather than trying to be an invincible “Superman.” He credited his survival to his wife, Kimberly, whom he affectionately praised for stepping up as a caretaker, a nurse, and head of the household.

As of today, the entertainment community is honoring the late star’s final contributions to the screen. Before his passing, he completed work on the highly anticipated Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, which is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video in July.

In the series, Van Der Beek portrays Dean Wilson, a mayoral candidate and school superintendent, appearing alongside Lexi Minetree as a young Elle Woods. In addition to his upcoming posthumous release, Van Der Beek recently guest-starred in the college comedy series Overcompensating and reprised his role as Leroy Lahey in the Tubi sequel Sidelined 2: Intercepted.

His legacy continues through his family’s move to a Texas ranch in 2020, a sanctuary where he found a deep connection to nature during his health struggles. Following his passing, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $900,000 to support Kimberly and their children, ensuring they can maintain the home and stability that James worked so hard to provide.

Do you agree with James Van Der Beek that the most powerful form of resilience is being honest with your family about life’s hardest struggles rather than trying to hide them? Share your thoughts in the comments.