James Van Der Beek Addresses Fans’ Concerns About Appearance

Greater than a yr after going public along with his Stage 3 colorectal most cancers analysis, James Van Der Beek is trying to his future with optimism.

On Friday, Van Der Beek gave an emotional interview to NBC’s “Today” through which he addressed followers’ considerations over his look at a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion event that occurred in September.

The actor had been slated to take part in a live table reading of the teenager drama collection’ pilot episode with co-stars Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams, but had to drop out as a result of two totally different abdomen viruses. As a substitute, he expressed his regrets for his absence with a pre-recorded video through which he appeared gaunt.

In his “Immediately” chat, Van Der Beek stated his dramatic weight reduction was “not cancer-related,” however acknowledged that his general well being had impacted his expertise with the virus.

“I’d misplaced a lot weight due to the abdomen virus,” he defined. “Though, with most cancers, every thing’s like, ‘Why don’t we super-size that abdomen virus?’”

Watch a clip of James Van Der Beek on “Immediately” under.

Although having to skip the reunion left Van Der Beek “crushed,” he was nonetheless thrilled that his spouse, Kimberly Brook, and their six youngsters were able to attend the event in his stead.

“They received a standing ovation only for taking their seats,” he stated. “And all that love that might’ve in any other case been directed at me was directed at my household. It was some of the stunning moments I’ve ever gotten to witness.”

Van Der Beek, 48, has maintained a decrease profile since going public along with his analysis. Nonetheless, he’s continued to tackle a variety of performing initiatives. Earlier this yr, he appeared in two episodes of the Amazon Prime Video collection “Overcompensating,” starring Benito Skinner.

He’s additionally set to have a recurring function on “Elle,” the “Legally Blonde” prequel series that shall be executive-produced by Reese Witherspoon.

Final month, Van Der Beek started placing memorabilia from “Dawson’s Creek,” in addition to objects from his 1999 movie “Varsity Blues” and different initiatives, up for auction to assist cowl his well being care prices.

In his “Immediately” chat, nevertheless, he stated he’s come to view his sickness as a “reward,” saying it’s reminded him that he’s “nonetheless worthy of affection.”

“I don’t assume I knew what it was to decelerate earlier than,” he stated. “I don’t assume I knew what it was to essentially have a look at every thing I eat, every thing I put in my physique. Actually, the largest change, I’d say, could be this journey of self-love.”