Dawson’s Creek is as beloved today as it was in 1998. James Van Der Beek famously starred in the lead role. The actor was supposed to be on the Today Show this week for an important discussion. Sadly, he had to reschedule due to an unexpected illness amid a battle with cancer. Keep reading for all the details on the situation.

James Van Der Beek Cancels Today, Apologizes For Being Sick

James Van Der Beek didn’t see the same success many of his Dawson’s Creek co-stars did. However, his career got a boost in 2019 when he joined Dancing With The Stars. He faced a heartbreaking personal loss during his last week on the competition when his wife miscarried. The couple later had a rainbow baby, completing their family with six children.

In 2024, the actor revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He’s been completely open with fans about the cancer battle, including selling off merchandise to pay for the hospital bills. James Van Der Beek was supposed to be a guest on the Today Show on Friday, December 5. He was going to discuss his cancer journey, weeks after his wife gave a huge update.
James Van Der Beek/Credit: YouTube
But he had to cancel at the last minute. The actor took to Instagram to share why he had to miss appearing on the show in New York City. One of his kids got him sick with a highly contagious illness.

“Tell me you have kids without telling me you have kids. Having to postpone a @today show appearance because of pink eye,” he wrote on a photo with one of his children.

Reveals Rescheduled Date

James Van Der Beek added an apology to Today host Craig Melvin and shared an update on the illness. He wrote that it was “almost clear.” According to the Mayo Clinic, pink eye can be contagious for a few days or up to two weeks.
James Van Der Beek canceled ‘Today’ appearance/Credit: YouTube
The Dawson’s Creek star shared that his appearance was rescheduled to Wednesday, December 17. The actor has received a lot of support from fans since he revealed his cancer diagnosis last year.

“Love you man. I beat stage 3 colorectal worth 6 months to live. 10 years ago. You will too.”
“I grew up watching Dawson creek as a teenager. Hearing you talk about confronting death was hard to hear. Thank you James for your message. It is inspiring.”
“I am a Stage 4 cancer survivor. I was not expected to live beyond 6-8 months. That was 9 years ago and I am now in remission”
“Im praying for full recovery for you- My Grandma is 93- after having 9 kids- she fought breast cancer & won…and colon cancer 3x…in remission and she is still here.”
“I will keep praying for you every day I hope you will stay healthy and stay strong still be living in this earth”

The cancer diagnosis hasn’t affected his acting career. James Van Der Beek has a recurring role in Prime Video’s upcoming Legally Blonde prequel. Elle debuts on the streamer in the summer of 2026. Tune in to the Today Show on December 17 to hear more about James Van Der Beek’s cancer journey.