James Van Der Beek Embraces 'Healing Phase' After Cancer Battle

James Van Der Beek, the star beloved for his role in "Dawson’s Creek," shared this week that he is now in the "healing phase" of his battle with cancer. During an interview with Extra after his stint as the Griffin on "The Masked Singer," Van Der Beek expressed optimism, saying, "I feel like I can see the finish line. I'm in a healing phase, which is great. I'm going back to work next month. I'm taking this month really to just kind of relax."

The 48-year-old actor reflected on his experience wearing the mask during the show, describing it as a "beautiful" way to connect with the audience while leaving his health struggles out of the spotlight. "Especially with everything I was going through, to be able to put on the mask and connect without my health being part of the equation was actually a really beautiful thing," he explained.

Last November, Van Der Beek revealed he was undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer. Earlier this month, he opened up on Instagram about how this past year had been the "hardest year" of his life. He credited his role as a husband and father as his ultimate sources of fulfillment but admitted that his illness forced him to confront his own mortality.

"I had to come nose to nose with death," he shared. "All those definitions that I cared so deeply about were stripped from me. I couldn’t be a husband who was helpful to my wife, a father who could pick up my kids, or a provider because I wasn’t working." He and his wife, Kimberly, share six children: Olivia, 14; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 11; Emilia, 8; Gwendolyn, 6; and Jeremiah, 2.

During his journey, Van Der Beek admitted to moments of deep self-reflection, questioning his identity and worth. "Am I just a too-skinny, weak guy, alone in an apartment with cancer? What am I?" he pondered. He shared how his faith became a cornerstone for his recovery, stating, "I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist. And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?"

As he continues to heal, Van Der Beek expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he’s received, saying, "That revelation came to me in no small part because of all the love and prayers directed my way." The actor also encouraged others to embrace their self-worth, noting, "If the word ‘God’ feels too religious, take it out and simply say, ‘I am worthy of love.’ Because you are."

Van Der Beek’s message of resilience, faith, and self-love is a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the strength found in vulnerability and the healing power of community.