It turns out, James Van Der Beek wasn’t just America’s favorite ‘90s heartthrob; he’s also a fighter – but not the dramatic, soap-opera kind of fighter Dawson would be. No, this is real life, and James just opened up about his tough battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer in a refreshingly honest interview.
The 47-year-old former Dawson’s Creek star dropped the news like a plot twist we weren’t ready for, revealing that he’s been dealing with cancer in secret. Yes, the man has been pulling off an Oscar-worthy “everything’s fine” face, while, in reality, he’s been tackling a diagnosis that shook his world.
“Why Now?” – The Open-Book Reason Behind His Revelation
In the interview, James said he’s ready to spill the beans because he’s sick of being stealthy. “That’s one of the reasons I want to talk about it,” he told People, possibly while channeling the earnest gaze that broke a million teen hearts. He confessed that going public felt “cathartic” and a way to find support. He also admitted that more than anything, he wanted to raise awareness. A PSA from Van Der Beek? Consider us tuned in.
Diagnosis Day: The Unexpected Plot Twist
So, how did he find out? Picture this: our health-conscious star was just trying to do adulting things, like eating kale salads and probably taking turmeric shots, when he decided it was time for a colonoscopy. You know, just another Tuesday. But then his doctor delivered the kind of twist that even Dawson’s Creek writers wouldn’t script.
Cancer’s Game of Unknowns: James Learns the Hard Way
James, who you just know is the guy who likes things to be in order, explained that cancer threw him into a world of chaos with zero spoiler alerts. “There are so many unknowns with cancer,” he said. “You think, ‘How do I fix this? Is this healing me? Is this hurting me?’” Honestly, it sounds a bit like trying to guess the last season of Game of Thrones, but with higher stakes.
So, Where’s He At Now? A “Cautiously Optimistic” Ending
So, the big question: How’s he doing now? James says he’s “very cautiously optimistic,” which in James-speak seems to mean he’s feeling pretty good. His energy levels are up, and he’s optimistic, but he’s also aware that, like all great TV characters, there are still a few cliffhangers left to wrap up. “I have a lot to live for,” he said, possibly while staring soulfully into the sunset.
James Van Der Beek, real-life hero, advocate, and possibly the best plot twist of the season. Here’s to hoping he’ll be back soon with an inspiring sequel of his own, cancer-free and starring in whatever his next big adventure turns out to be.
