James Van Der Beek Shared How Cancer Treatment Affected His Role as a Dad

The actor, who died at 48, wrote he couldn't always 'be the father I would want to be' due to his illness.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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James Van Der Beek, the Dawson's Creek star who died at 48 in February 2026 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, previously opened up about how his cancer treatment affected his role as a dad to his six children. In an Instagram post celebrating his son Jeremiah's 4th birthday, Van Der Beek apologized for times when he was 'too weak to pick you up, throw you around, or even put you to bed' due to his illness.

Why it matters

Van Der Beek's openness about the challenges of parenting while undergoing cancer treatment sheds light on the difficult realities many families face when a parent is seriously ill. His story highlights the need for greater support systems and resources for parents battling life-threatening diseases.

The details

In his birthday post for Jeremiah, Van Der Beek wrote that he was sorry there were 'spells' where he couldn't be the 'father I would want to be' due to the toll of his cancer treatment. The actor, who shared six kids with wife Kimberly, noted that despite his limitations, watching his children grow was 'one of the greatest joys' of his life.

  • Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023.
  • The actor died on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

James Van Der Beek

An American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery on the teen drama Dawson's Creek, who died at age 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

The wife of James Van Der Beek, who announced his death on Instagram.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sorry there have been spells where I couldn't be the father I would want to be for you… where I was too weak to pick you up, throw you around, or even put you to bed.”

— James Van Der Beek (Instagram)

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”

— Kimberly Van Der Beek (Instagram)

The takeaway

Van Der Beek's story highlights the immense challenges parents face when battling serious illnesses, and the need for greater support systems to help them continue to be present for their children during difficult times.