James Van Der Beek, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, recently disclosed that he underwent a vasectomy prior to his shocking colorectal cancer diagnosis, which he revealed just days ago. In a candid conversation with People, the 47-year-old father of six explained his decision, humorously stating, “I figured the only way we’re going to stop [having kids] is if we have some medical intervention.” He went on to share a light-hearted moment with his children, telling them to be cautious around him following the surgery.
Van Der Beek, along with his wife Kimberly, has a bustling household filled with their children: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwen, 6, and Jeremiah, 3. He candidly admitted that of their six children, only one was planned, joking that they “really sucked” at preventing pregnancies. Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the struggles many face in having children, saying, “We didn’t really plan it out…thank God, honestly, because it’s such a struggle for people, and we really don’t take it for granted.”
The couple has endured their share of heartache as well, having experienced multiple pregnancy losses. Van Der Beek revealed in 2019 that Kimberly had suffered a miscarriage, and she later recounted a near-fatal experience during the ordeal. The couple’s journey has not been easy, yet they remain open about their challenges.
Amid these personal revelations, Van Der Beek announced his stage 3 cancer diagnosis, stating that he has been managing it privately and taking proactive steps with the support of his family. He conveyed a sense of optimism in his statement, assuring fans that he is currently feeling well.
He had initially planned to share the news of his health condition on his own terms but was compelled to do so earlier than anticipated due to a leak to the media. Van Der Beek expressed his desire to raise awareness about his situation and planned on discussing it in detail later.
In a recent interview, he conveyed a hopeful outlook, mentioning that he was “cautiously optimistic” and is currently in a healing phase, with good energy levels. Though he hasn’t disclosed specifics about his treatment or remission status, he plans to keep his fans informed as he navigates this challenging road.
