James Van Der Beek says weight loss not cancer-related during cancer battle

James Van Der Beek has publicly clarified that his dramatic weight loss was not tied to his cancer battle, saying in an emotional interview that his Stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis remains the central health issue he is managing. The 48-year-old actor spoke with NBC's Today in a Friday appearance to address fans' concerns after his frail appearance during a September Dawson’s Creek reunion table read.

Van Der Beek, who announced his cancer diagnosis more than a year ago, explained that his weight drop occurred during a stomach virus he contracted at the time of the reunion, and that the loss was not cancer-related. “I’d lost so much weight because of the stomach virus,” he told Today host Craig Melvin. “Although, with cancer, everything’s like, ‘Why don’t we super-size that stomach virus?’” He added that his overall health challenges at the time contributed to the visible change, but stressed that the illness itself remains the primary battle.

The Dawson’s Creek moment was bittersweet. He had been slated to participate in a live table reading of the pilot episode with Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams, but had to withdraw due to the two separate stomach viruses. In a pre-recorded message shown at the event, he expressed how crushed he was to miss the in-person reunion. His wife, Kimberly Brook, and their six children attended in his stead, earning a standing ovation from fans for simply taking their seats. “They got a standing ovation just for taking their seats,” Van Der Beek said later, calling it one of the most beautiful moments he’d witnessed.

Despite the health scare and a lower public profile, Van Der Beek has remained active. He appeared in two episodes of the Amazon Prime Video series Overcompensating earlier this year and is set for a recurring role on Elle, the Legally Blonde prequel series executive-produced by Reese Witherspoon. In the Today interview, he offered a broader reflection on how the illness has reshaped his life and outlook. “The biggest change I’d say would be this journey of self-love,” he said, underscoring a cultivated emphasis on health, mindfulness and patience.

The actor has also turned to fundraising efforts to support his ongoing medical expenses. Earlier this year, he began auctioning memorabilia from Dawson’s Creek, as well as items from his 1999 film Varsity Blues and other projects, to help cover health care costs. He described the experience of facing illness as a kind of gift that reminded him he is “still worthy of love.” “I don’t think I knew what it was to slow down before,” he added. “I don’t think I knew what it was to really look at everything I eat, everything I put in my body.” He also noted that he’s found joy in family and faith as part of his healing journey.

Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, have six children: Olivia, 15; Annabel, 12; Emilia, nine; Gwendolyn, seven; Joshua, 13; and Jeremiah, four. The family has publicly supported him through his health crisis, and the actor has continued to share updates on his journey with fans. In addition to the Today interview, outlets reported on his health progress, with sources noting that he feels “a little bit better every month” as his treatment continues and his resilience grows.

In late September, the Dawson’s Creek cast reunited for a live reading of the pilot to benefit cancer-focused charities. Lin-Manuel Miranda filled in for Van Der Beek, joining Holmes, Jackson, Williams and others for the charitable event along with a broader cast. Van Der Beek had previously posted about his disappointment at not being able to attend in person, but thanked the cast and supporters for the night. The recent remarks from Van Der Beek underscore a broader narrative about a performer navigating a serious illness while continuing to work and engage with fans who have followed him for decades.