James Van Der Beek, who is currently battling cancer, shared with Extra in a recent interview that he is feeling optimistic and can see the finish line in his healing journey. The actor revealed that he is going back to work next month and is taking this month to relax. Despite his ongoing battle, Van Der Beek expressed gratitude for being able to perform while hidden under a costume on The Masked Singer after his diagnosis became public in November 2024.
Van Der Beek first shared the news of his cancer diagnosis with People magazine in November 2024 and maintained a positive outlook, mentioning that he has been privately dealing with the diagnosis and taking steps to resolve it with the support of his family. In a candid Instagram post, he opened up about the past year being the hardest of his life and the impact his diagnosis has had on his family, including his wife Kimberley and their six children. He shared that facing his own mortality and being away for treatment made him unable to fulfill his roles as a husband and father as he had before.
During his time on The Masked Singer, Van Der Beek appreciated the opportunity to connect with the audience without his health issues being a part of the equation. He found solace in wearing the mask and expressed his gratitude for being able to perform in such a unique way despite his condition. The actor mentioned that the costume, although heavy, was something he appreciated along with the mask that allowed him to connect with viewers without focusing on his health struggles.
Despite the challenges he faced this past year, Van Der Beek shared that he is feeling good and has reason for optimism. He credited the support of his family for helping him through this difficult time and remaining positive about his healing journey. The actor mentioned that being able to put on the mask and perform while keeping his health issues private was a beautiful experience for him and provided a sense of connection with the audience.
Van Der Beek’s cancer battle has been a tough journey for him, but he has remained positive throughout it all. He acknowledged that facing his mortality and being away for treatment have been significant challenges that have affected his ability to be present for his family. However, he expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his loved ones and his optimism for the future. The actor’s candid Instagram post and interviews have shed light on his emotional journey and the impact of his diagnosis on his personal life, but despite it all, he continues to remain hopeful and focused on his healing process.
