James Van Der Beek Addresses Reaction to His Gaunt Appearance at “Dawson’s Creek” Reunion: ‘I’d Lost So Much Weight’

James Van Der Beek recently spoke out about his appearance during the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion event in September. The ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star addressed concerns about his gaunt look in his first televised interview since missing the reunion due to illness.

In a heartfelt interview with Craig Melvin on the Today show on December 19, Van Der Beek shared his health journey following his diagnosis with stage 3 colorectal cancer. The actor, now 48 years old, expressed his resilience and determination in the face of his illness.

During the interview, Van Der Beek clarified that his weight loss, which was noticeable during the reunion, was actually due to a stomach virus and not related to his cancer diagnosis. He shared that he had to miss the event because of the illness but sent a pre-recorded message to the fans.

The actor’s absence at the reunion was felt by many, but his family attended in his place. Van Der Beek mentioned that his wife, Kimberly, and their six children received a standing ovation at the event, which was a touching moment for him. He expressed his gratitude towards the fans for their support and understanding.

Van Der Beek first publicly revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024, after initially being diagnosed in 2023. Since then, he has been using his platform to raise awareness about early cancer detection and fundraising for his treatment and others.

Reflecting on his journey, Van Der Beek shared with People magazine in November 2024 that the experience has been a profound lesson in mind, body, and spirit. Despite being in good physical shape before his diagnosis, he learned valuable lessons about life, health, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Throughout his battle with cancer, Van Der Beek has remained positive and determined to overcome the challenges he faces. His openness and honesty about his struggles have inspired many and highlighted the importance of health awareness and self-care.

Van Der Beek’s courage and strength in the face of adversity serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and resilience in the midst of personal challenges. His story is a testament to the power of hope and determination in overcoming obstacles and embracing life to the fullest.