When James Van Der Beek revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2024, fans were shocked and concerned for the actor. The Dawson’s Creek star shared an honest look at his health battle at the time. More recently, James Van Der Beek lauded his father for his “life-saving” help with his six kids amid his cancer treatment.
As a refresher, James, 47m was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024. He and his wife, Kimberly, have six children: daughters, Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons, Joshua and Jeremiah. And evidently, his father stepped up in a huge way as James underwent treatment.
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In late January, the actor posted a birthday tribute to his dad.
On January 25, James took to Instagram with a birthday tribute for his father. (He shares a birthday with his daughter, Annabel.)
“Also born today… my Dad,” he began the post featuring a carousel of photos of his father, also named James Van Der Beek.
James Van Der Beek praised his father for his help during his cancer treatment.
“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,” James continued. “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 🤣).”
In the update, he also lauded his dad for being there for him emotionally.
James wrote that he was “blown away by how” his dad has “been there for me emotionally as I’ve moved through everything cancer brings up.”
He added, “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.”
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James shared that his father’s example gives him ‘confidence’ in himself.
In his shout-out, James wrapped up by saying that watching his dad evolving and “seeing what kind of man and father you are… gives me more confidence in myself than I could ever express.”
He concluded, “I feel so proud and lucky to have come from you. Thank you for being the best. Ever. Period.”
As a humorous aside, James also promised that he and his wife “won’t ever ask you to change Jeremiah’s diapers. 😘.”
In the comments, Instagram users reacted to his dad’s kindness.
Folks in the comments agreed with James’ assessment of his dad.
One person wrote, “This is such a beautiful tribute. Good men create good men. Praying for your continued healing journey.”
Another shared, “Oh my heart, what a wonderful dad you have. God bless your dad on his birthday.”
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user declared, “This is such a beautiful tribute. Good men create good men. Praying for your continued healing journey.”
