Despite all he’s been through, James Van Der Beek still smiles!
The beloved Dawson’s Creek actor, 48, who rose to superstardom as Dawson Leery on the iconic teen series, shared that trademark smile we know and love in a sweet photo posted to his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek‘s Instagram account late Thursday. While it’s not clear if the photo is new or old, Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, is pictured sitting in a chair with a cozy fleece blanket on top of him. Over his shoulder, his lookalike father leaned in for the photo too. It’s pretty clear where the star and father of six got that famous smile!
“Happy day 🌷,” his wife captioned the sweet photo of the Van Der Beek men.
Fans Got Emotional at the Touching Photo
The sweet photo of Van Der Beek and his father struck a chord with fans of the actor, who has a significant and passionate fan base from his years on Dawson’s Creek and subsequent work on shows like Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, Pose, and Dancing With the Stars. In the comments section, fans shared their wishes for health for the star.
“James is looking great. Must be all the healing energy the world has been sending him,” one commenter shared.
Another person chimed in, “OH MY HEART!!!! He looks so happy and so good!!! Keep fighting James!!! This world needs you!!❤️❤️”
“Father and Son are both looking fantastic and healthy! I love your family so so much and the love you have for one another. ❤️,” someone else said.
“Looking amazing, @vanderjames ! Your beautiful energy shines right through that smile ✨🫶🏻 You truly are pure light! 🙏🏻,” a commenter noted.
Of course, one notable comment came from Van Der Beek’s Don’t Trust the B—– costar Krysten Ritter, who shared, “Love you James, sending you love every day. ❤️.”
Related: James Van Der Beek Is in ‘Awe’ of 15-Year-Old Daughter After Surprise Performance
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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