James Van Der Beek, Beloved Star of ‘Dawson’s Creek’, Reveals Tragic Health Diagnosis

James Van Der Beek rose to fame through his portrayal of Dawson Leery on the iconic television series Dawson’s Creek. The show, which premiered in 1998, resonated with audiences and played a pivotal role in shaping the teen drama genre. Van Der Beek’s character, a sensitive and aspiring filmmaker, struck a chord with viewers who connected deeply with his journey through adolescence, love, and friendship. As a central figure in Dawson’s Creek, he became a household name and left an indelible mark on the landscape of 90s television.

Dawson’s Creek also starred Katie Holmes as Joey, Michelle Williams as Jen, and Mighty Ducks star Joshua Jackson as Dawson’s best friend, Pacey.

Related: How Well Do You Actually Remember 90s Disney Movie Plots?

In a poignant turn of events, James Van Der Beek recently announced that he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Sadly, he was forced to publicly reveal his diagnosis when he was told that the press had found out and would be reporting on it.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Van Der Beek spoke about his family’s support during this tough time.

“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the star, 47, tells PEOPLE exclusively.

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” Van Der Beek adds.

In an emotional post on Instagram, he expressed his gratitude for the support he had received and apologized to those close to him for learning about his diagnosis through the press rather than through direct communication.

“It is cancer…”

Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them. There’s no playbook for how announce these things, but I’d planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon… to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms. But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news.

I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.

Apologies to all the people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline… But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.

Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.

More to come…

Related: Beloved ABC News Anchor Reveals Devastating Cancer Diagnosis

In addition to navigating his health challenges, James Van Der Beek is set to make a significant return to the screen. Apart from his recent appearance on Walker, he is preparing for the release of Sidelined: The QB and Me, which showcases his dedication to his craft despite personal hurdles.

Furthermore, he will participate in the special The Real Full Monty, aiming to raise awareness about cancer testing and research, aligning his professional endeavors with his mission to support cancer-related initiatives.

We keep James Van Der Beek and his family in our thoughts as he navigates this difficult time and receives treatment for his cancer.