Van Der Beek and Wife Share Festive Cheer Amidst Health Journey

James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, are enjoying the festive season.

Kimberly, 43, shared a heartwarming image on Instagram on Sunday, December 21, featuring James, 48, with his arm around her. “My love and I @vanderjames,” she wrote alongside the affectionate picture, which seems to have been taken at their Texas ranch.

The photograph, depicting James in a cozy winter sweater and relaxed trousers, and Kimberly in a vibrant cherry-red gown, surfaced shortly after the actor publicly responded to concerns from fans regarding his noticeable weight loss during his ongoing two-year health challenge.

During an interview on the December 19 episode of the Today show, James addressed the fan worries following his explanation for missing the Dawson’s Creek live reading event in New York City in September. “The significant weight loss was due to a severe stomach virus,” he explained on the program, clarifying that the physical change wasn’t connected to his cancer.

James Van Der Beek's Wife Kimberly Sends Affectionate Message Following Cancer Announcement

James continued, “However, with cancer, it feels like everything is amplified, even a stomach virus.”

The conversation also included James’ thoughts on his well-being, as he remembered the moment he received his colorectal cancer diagnosis, which he made public in November 2024. “I was initially in disbelief. But, I quickly felt fortunate because I immediately thought, ‘This will be a positive turning point in my life.’ … I had an inner voice telling me that this diagnosis would inspire me to make life changes I wouldn’t otherwise consider, ultimately leading to healthier and happier years,” he shared.

James credited valuable life lessons to his experience with cancer. “I hadn’t truly learned to slow down before … to carefully consider everything I consume, everything I introduce into my body. Truly, the most significant shift has been this journey of self-acceptance. I came to understand that I am inherently deserving of love – my own love, and divine love,” he elaborated.

James Van Der Beek Reflects on ‘Difficult Year’ After Cancer Diagnosis

The interview also featured James detailing the unwavering support from Kimberly and their six children — Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4 — in the aftermath of his diagnosis.

“I wouldn’t be here today without my wife,” he stated. “She [Kimberly] has wholeheartedly taken on the roles of caregiver, nurse, and head of the family. And the children, despite my desire to protect them from witnessing my pain … I’ve realized that building resilience is not only something they possess but is also the most beneficial thing for them.”

James revealed his diagnosis in an Instagram post, explaining his delay in sharing the news with his followers. “I’ve been addressing this privately until now, receiving treatment and prioritizing my overall health more than ever,” the actor wrote in the November 2024 post. “I’m currently in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been a challenging experience, and I’ll share more when I’m ready. … Please know that my family and I are incredibly grateful for all the love and support.”