James Van Der Beek expresses gratitude to wife Kimberly amid 'tough year' of cancer battle

AUSTIN, TEXAS: James Van Der Beek shared a heartfelt message of gratitude on Thanksgiving, reflecting on his battle with Stage III colorectal cancer.

Taking to Instagram on November 28, the 46-year-old actor praised his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children for their unwavering support.

James Van Der Beek calls Kimberly 'superhuman wife'

In his gratitude post, James Van Der Beek wrote, “It’s been a tough year… I’m more grateful than ever to my superhuman wife who has shown up on levels I never knew possible. I am in awe of you, @vanderkimberly.”

The actor also expressed deep appreciation for his children, Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, eight, Gwen, six, and Jeremiah, three.

“I’m beyond thankful for the little blond army of hearts who keep me present, active, and inspired just by being themselves. I love you guys beyond,” he added.

James Van Der Beek on facing cancer with positivity

Despite the challenges of his diagnosis, James Van Der Beek has embraced a positive outlook.

“I’m thankful for all of it,” he shared, adding, “For the giant life, re-direct cancer has placed in my path."

"For the gift of knowing what it feels like to have friends come through on such a profound level… and for this new relationship I have to my body, and what I feed it,” he continued.

Earlier this month, James made his first public appearance since revealing his diagnosis, attending the premiere of 'Sidelined: The QB and Me'.

James Van Der Beek's shocking diagnosis

James Van Der Beek’s cancer journey began unexpectedly in 2023 when he started experiencing symptoms he initially dismissed as dietary issues.

“I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee… but when I cut that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, ‘All right, I better get this checked out,’” he recalled.

The news came as a shock to the actor, who prided himself on an active, healthy lifestyle.

“I’d always associated cancer with age and unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy or as far as I knew it at the time,” he shared.

Following a colonoscopy, James received a life-changing diagnosis.

“The gastroenterologist said — in his most pleasant bedside manner — that it was cancer. I think I went into shock,” he admitted.

For the actor, sharing his story has been both cathartic and a way to raise awareness of colorectal cancer.

“That’s one of the reasons I want to talk about it… I’ve found it helpful and cathartic to share things publicly,” he said, according to OK! Magazine.