Actor James Van Der Beek has shared a tender moment with his wife, Kimberly, offering a glimpse of festive joy as he continues his personal battle with cancer. The couple, married since 2010, appeared in a serene photograph posted by Kimberly to her Instagram on Sunday.
A Moment of Peace and Family Support
In the idyllic snapshot, James Van Der Beek, 48, is seen with a protective arm around his wife's shoulders as she leans into his chest. Kimberly captioned the image affectionately, referring to her husband as "my bae." The actor wore a cardigan with black jeans and boots, while Kimberly chose a red, lace-accented holiday dress.
The Van Der Beeks are parents to six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, alongside sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four. James has previously credited his family's unwavering support as a cornerstone of his strength during his health ordeal.
Positive Health Update Amid Treatment
Last year, the star publicly revealed his diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Recently, however, he offered an encouraging update during an interview with Craig Melvin for NBC's Today show. "I feel a little bit better every month," James stated. He acknowledged the challenge has demanded immense patience and discipline, adding, "More strength than I knew I had. I knew I was strong, I didn’t know I was this strong."
Melvin, who visited James on his Texas ranch for the interview, described the actor as "a ray of positivity" despite the overcast weather. Their conversation touched on his current journey, the critical importance of cancer screenings, and how he finds joy in his family and faith.
Addressing Fan Concerns Over Weight Loss
The interview also provided James a chance to address concerns from fans who were alarmed by his apparent weight loss during a virtual appearance at a Dawson's Creek reunion event in September. He clarified that the significant weight drop was due to a severe stomach bug at the time and was not directly related to his cancer. "Although with cancer everything's like, 'Why don't we super size that stomach virus?'" he remarked wryly.
The live reunion reading of the show's pilot, which benefited the F Cancer charity, went ahead with most of the original cast. James participated via a pre-recorded video message, expressing his disappointment at not being able to join his former co-stars in person and thanking fans for their overwhelming support.
As he navigates his treatment, the heartwarming holiday snapshot serves as a powerful testament to the comfort and normalcy he finds in his family life, reinforcing his message of resilience and hope for the future.
