More than a year after going public with his Stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis, James Van Der Beek is looking to his future with optimism.
On Friday, Van Der Beek gave an emotional interview to NBC’s “Today” in which he addressed fans’ concerns over his appearance at a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion event that took place in September.
The actor had been slated to take part in a live table reading of the teen drama series’ pilot episode with co-stars Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams, but had to drop out due to two different stomach viruses. Instead, he expressed his regrets for his absence with a pre-recorded video in which he appeared gaunt.
In his “Today” chat, Van Der Beek said his dramatic weight loss was “not cancer-related,” but acknowledged that his overall health had impacted his experience with the virus.
“I’d lost so much weight because of the stomach virus,” he explained. “Although, with cancer, everything’s like, ‘Why don’t we super-size that stomach virus?’”
Watch a clip of James Van Der Beek on “Today” below.
Though having to skip the reunion left Van Der Beek “crushed,” he was nonetheless thrilled that his wife, Kimberly Brook, and their six children were able to attend the event in his stead.
“They got a standing ovation just for taking their seats,” he said. “And all that love that would’ve otherwise been directed at me was directed at my family. It was one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever gotten to witness.”
Van Der Beek, 48, has maintained a lower profile since going public with his diagnosis. Still, he’s continued to take on a number of acting projects. Earlier this year, he appeared in two episodes of the Amazon Prime Video series “Overcompensating,” starring Benito Skinner.
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He’s also set to have a recurring role on “Elle,” the “Legally Blonde” prequel series that will be executive-produced by Reese Witherspoon.
Last month, Van Der Beek began putting memorabilia from “Dawson’s Creek,” as well as items from his 1999 film “Varsity Blues” and other projects, up for auction to help cover his health care costs.
In his “Today” chat, however, he said he’s come to view his illness as a “gift,” saying it’s reminded him that he’s “still worthy of love.”
“I don’t think I knew what it was to slow down before,” he said. “I don’t think I knew what it was to really look at everything I eat, everything I put in my body. Really, the biggest change, I’d say, would be this journey of self-love.”
