The entertainment world is grieving the loss of actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away at age 48 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
While many knew him for his breakout role on Dawson’s Creek and his performance in Varsity Blues, his final years told a deeper story—one of confronting mortality, clinging to faith and discovering identity beyond fame.
Van Der Beek was diagnosed in Aug. 2023 after initially believing his symptoms were connected to dietary issues. After further testing, doctors confirmed the cancer diagnosis. For more than a year, he fought the disease privately, focusing on treatment while reassessing his priorities in life. When he eventually spoke publicly about his journey, it was clear the battle had reshaped him not only physically, but spiritually.
During his illness, he reflected on what it meant to face death and come to terms with human limitation. In that process, he shared that he found peace in understanding that his value was not rooted in career success, public approval or performance—but in simply being loved by God.
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“I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist,” he stated. “And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?”
“As I move through this healing portal toward recovery, I wanted to share that with you because that revelation that came to me was in no small part to all the prayers and the love that had been directed toward me,” Van Der Beek said.
He further explained that he didn’t know “what” God is or how to explain the concept of God.
“I certainly don’t claim to know what God is or explain God, my efforts to connect to God are an ongoing process that is a constant unfolding mystery to me…if it’s a trigger that feels too religious, you can take the word ‘God’ out of your mantra and it can simply be ‘I am worthy of love.’ Because you are,” he stated.
In a post on Van Der Beek’s Facebook, a message was shared:
Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
During his battle, Van Der Beek became an advocate for cancer awareness, urging people to pursue screenings and not ignore warning signs. His willingness to speak openly about a deeply personal health fight helped remove stigma and encouraged others to take their health seriously. His message was simple but powerful: early detection can save lives.
Yet beyond Hollywood and advocacy work, those closest to him consistently pointed to his greatest passion—his family. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. By all accounts, he saw fatherhood and marriage as sacred callings, not secondary achievements. Friends described him as someone who deeply valued presence, connection and leaving a meaningful legacy through the lives of those he loved most.
During this time, pray for Van Der Beek’s family and friends as they mourn this grave loss.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
