James Van Der Beek is navigating his recent cancer diagnosis with the help of one special person: his dad.
The Dawson’s Creek star thanked his dad, James William Van Der Beek, for his support in an emotional message shared via Instagram on Saturday, January 25. “The way you have shown up when I’ve been down and out this year – without us having to ask, without the expectation of even a thank you… has been not just life-saving, but life-affirming,” Van Der Beek wrote, in honor of his father’s birthday.
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“Moving onto the ranch for when I’m away for treatment. Making lunches, making fires for @vanderkimberly, driving kids, even taking care of the dogs and chickens (neither of which you ever wanted and would just as soon never have had 
),” he continued.
The actor went on to thank his father for being there for him “emotionally” as he’s “moved through everything cancer brings up.”
“I know it’s outside your comfort zone, but especially since Mom died, you have come through for me again and again and again in ways that I didn’t even know how much I needed,” he added. “Watching you evolve, seeing what kind of man and father you are… gives me more confidence in myself than I could ever express. I feel so proud and lucky to have come from you. Thank you for being the best. Ever. Period. And I will keep my promise that we won’t ever ask you to change Jeremiah’s diapers.”
The actor announced he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he explained at the time. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
The actor has been married to Kimberly Van Der Beek since 2010. The pair have six children together.
Their daughter Annabel shares a birthday with her grandfather. The actor also wrote the 11-year-old her own message via Instagram on Saturday.
“There are sweet souls… and then there’s you. The softest, most empathetic heart I know. It’s been a really tough year to be so sensitive, and so connected to me, who’s not been well in so many moments – which I know you know without my even having to be in the room,” he said.
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Van Der Beek added, “From the moment you came out you’ve had the ability to bring joy and peace to those around you simply by existing. May you continue to trust that and always know that your dad sees you, and recognizes you, and loves everything about you. And always will.”
While speaking to Robin Roberts on Good Morning America in December 2024, Van Der Beek said he’s physically “feeling really good” but the emotional impact of cancer treatment is “really a ride.”
“I’m going to look back on [this in] 30 years and say, ‘Thank God this happened,” Van Der Beek added. “So what can I do right now in order to make that the case? That’s how it was about 90% of the time. I would say that about 10% of the time I was a sobbing, terrified mess.”
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