“Actually, the rug was pulled out from the Zolciaks.”
James Van Der Beek is detailing his approach to telling his kids he had cancer.
The 48-year-old “Dawson’s Creek” actor, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024, recently opened up about his health journey during a July 30 appearance on the “Today” show.
When it came time to break the news to his six kids, Van Der Beek says he chose honesty.
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“I’m far from an expert, but our approach was just to be as honest as possible, as honest to the degree of their understanding, right? Because they know,” Van Der Beek said on the show.
He went on to explain how his kids can tell when he’s “having a tough day.”
"They know if Dad’s in pain. They know, and so by not telling them, I think you’re confusing them even more," he said of his and his wife’s approach.
The “Varsity Blues” actor shares four daughters — Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn — and two sons, Joshua and Jeremiah, with his wife Kimberly, whom he married in 2010, according to People.
Van Der Beek used his experience as a testament to anyone struggling to break bad news to their kids.
"When you tell them what you’re doing, and you tell them the approach, they can see it and they can feel it, and I think it’s also your journey is their journey," he told the “Today” crew.
“I have kids making me tea. ‘Dad, what do you need?’” he said of how his kids are helping.
Though Van Der Beek said there’s “a lot of beauty” that has come from him sharing his diagnosis with his kids, he also said he wouldn’t want to see any parent go through what he’s going through.
“Which is why I’m saying get screened,” Van Der Beek advised.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is “the second most common cause of cancer deaths” among men and women.
The organization estimates about 107,320 new cases of colon cancer and 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer in 2025.
Van Der Beek describes cancer as a ‘full-time job
Van Der Beek revealed his diagnosis in an exclusive statement shared by People, published Nov. 8. At the time, he reassured his fans that there’s “a reason for optimism” and that he’s “feeling good.”
“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he explained.
In March, he took to Instagram to celebrate his 48th birthday before admitting that the past year has been “the hardest year of my life.”
"I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife," he explained. "I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them.”
Now more than four months later, Van Der Beek says he’s “feeling great” amid a tumultuous year.
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"It’s been a journey. There are just so many ups and downs and so many unknowns. Cancer is — I call it a full-time job," he said on the “Today” show.
