Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@vanderjames
Topics: Celebrity, US News, Cancer, Bowel cancer
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Celebrity, US News, Cancer, Bowel cancer
Two weeks before tragically losing his battle with bowel cancer, James Van Der Beek shared a sweet message of thanks with his family.
The Dawson's Creek actor's death was announced by his loved ones yesterday (11 Feb), just over two years since he received his initial diagnosis.
Van Der Beek first broke the sad news of his ailing health in November 2023, revealing that doctors had discovered a tumour following a routine screening in the months prior.
Despite planning to reveal his diagnosis in an awareness-raising campaign with PEOPLE, the father-of-six - who shares four daughters and two sons with his wife, Kimberly - claimed he'd been forced to speak out prematurely, after learning that another tabloid outlet had threatened to report it.
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In the same statement, Van Der Beek confirmed that the disease had since developed into stage three colorectal cancer.
"But we roll with it," he wrote at the time. "Taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.
Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support."
According to Kimberly, the Varsity Blues actor died 'peacefully' at his home, aged 48.
An official statement she shared alongside a portrait of the star read: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.
"There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time."
Kimberly added: "Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
In the weeks prior to his passing, Van Der Beek had uploaded a special message on Instagram in honour of his daughter and his father, who he revealed share the same birthday.
In what would become his final ever social media post, he shared a photo of the twosome, writing: "My father and my daughter share a birthday today.
"At first, I thought that was all they shared - they seemed so different to me.
"But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognise the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart."
Van Der Beek continued: "I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality. And you both make every room you’re in more fun.
"Different senes of humour, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this. In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good."
Of the pair, he added: "You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life. The world is a better place because the two of you are in it.
"Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.