‘Dawson’s Creek’ star reveals cancer diagnosis: ‘There’s reason for optimism’
James Van Der Beek, the star of “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues,” told People he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“I have colorectal cancer,” he told People. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
He added, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s website, colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. “These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start,” the website says. “Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.” Learn more.
Van Der Beek, 47, is best known for playing Dawson Leery on The WB’s popular 1990s/2000s teen drama series “Dawson’s Creek” on which he costarred with Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson.
On the heels of his “Dawson’s Creek” fame and popularity, he landed several film roles including 1998′s “Varsity Blues” in which his played small-town high school football star quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon.
He also appeared as a heightened version of himself on the ABC sitcom “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.” He also starred as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo on “CSI: Cyber” and as Matt Bromley on the FX drama “Pose.”
Other film roles include “The Rules of Attraction,” “Texas Rangers” and “Angus.”