Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek has revealed he's been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
The actor, whose most recent work includes 2020 horror Bad Hair, has opened up on dealing with the diagnosis "privately" and feeling optimistic.
"I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family," Van Der Beek told People.
"There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good," he added.
Van Der Beek also took to Instagram to discuss his diagnosis, explaining he was forced to announce it on social media after he "was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news".
"I've been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I'm in a good place and feeling strong. It's been quite the initiation, and I'll tell you more when I'm ready," he wrote in the caption.
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"Apologies to all the people in my life who I'd planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline.
"But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention."
Van Der Beek then said he, his wife Kimberly and their six children "deeply appreciate all the love and support" from fans.
The actor shot to fame in the late 1990s for the role of Dawson Leery in The WB teen drama Dawson's Creek, also starring Katie Holmes as Joey Potter, Joshua Jackson as Pacey Witter, and Michelle Williams as Jen Lindley.
Created by Scream screenwriter Kevin Williamson, the series premiered in 1998 and ran for six seasons.
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
