Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has issued a devastating cancer update which has left fans heartbroken.
Actor James Van Der Beek has been forced to take a sad step on his cancer journey, after first being diagnosed back in 2023.
The Dawson’s Creek star is battling stage three colorectal cancer, an opened up about the toll its had on his family life earlier this year.
Speaking to his devoted fans on Instagram, he said: “I was away for treatment, so I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife.
“I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them. I could not be a provider because I wasn’t working.”
Despite struggling in his personal life, the star noted that work is a nice form of escapism.
He formerly said: “The greatest thing about work is a cancer doesn’t exist between action and cut.”
“I’m just on the journey,” he added.
“It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.”
But in a devastating update for fans, Van Der Beek has further spoken out about the disease.
The 48-year-old added that his children had become his carers in recent months, as he battles the disease.
Dawson’s Creek aired from 1998 to 2003 for six seasons, and the actor was devastated to miss out on a cast reunion earlier this year.
Speaking on Instagram, he said: “I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to hug this beautiful cast in person.
“I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single one of you for being here tonight.”
Jamed added: “From the cast, to the crew and everyone who has donated time and been so generous. And especially every single one of you, the best fans in the world.”
Fans in the comments were concerned about the star’s appearance, with one noting that he looked ‘so frail.’
One said: “I pray this beautiful soul can beat this cancer; it truly breaks my heart for his beautiful family.”
Another added: “He looks so frail, it’s hard to watch.”
He previously noted that living with the disease felt like a full-time job, but that he was finding joy in the small things.
Speaking about his diagnosis, Van Der Beek said: “I thought I was way ahead of the game.
“I ate as well as I could. I was healthy. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape.
“There was no reason in my mind that I should have gotten a positive diagnosis.”
His religion has also given him a positive outlook, as he added: “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?
“And the same is true for you.”
But the latest update has truly devastated fans.
He recently teamed up with an online auction site, where he plans to sell several cherished pieces from his personal collection, in order to help fund his health struggles.
In an Instagram post, he said: “I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now.”
He added: “While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore’s auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years.”
But it’s not the first time he’s done this.
Last year, the 90s icon sold more memorabilia in order to help support his family throughout his cancer treatment journey.
