Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek breaks down on TV after cancer diagnosis

James Van Der Beek, who rose to fame in the hit '90s teen drama Dawson's Creek, became emotional while talking about his battle with cancer. Watch video.

James Van Der Beek became emotional during a TV interview in which he spoke about the support of his family as he undergoes cancer treatment.  

The 47-year-old, who rose to fame in the 90s hit teen series Dawson's Creek, revealed he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November.

During an interview with Good Morning America on Tuesday local time, the actor became overwhelmed when he was asked about his wife, Kim.

"I'm gonna lose it," he said. "She's been amazing, she really taught me what unconditional love is.

"And I'm someone who is always in the past tried to do everything for everybody and never asked for help myself, and this has put me in a position of having to ask for help and having to receive help.

"And the beautiful blessing of that has been seeing how many people in my life have shown up."

James Van Der Beek becomes emotional during an interview on Good Morning America.

Van Der Beek said he was feeling physically "great" but emotionally "it's a lot, it's really a ride"."

He said he was in "shock" when he was first told of his diagnosis.

"I was doing what I thought I needed to do by getting a colonoscopy, I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, eating what I thought was healthy".

Van Der Beek continued: "And I had a whole agenda for what I thought my year would be and what I thought my priorities would be in the next couple of weeks and months.

"And the reality that all of that was going to change and take a different trajectory, it felt like a nightmare honestly, at first, that I couldn't quite wake up from, it's a lot."

The father-of-six this week took to Instagram to announce he was selling memorabilia to help cover his medical bills.

"Excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Varsity Blues with a limited edition #4 Moxon jersey—each one personally autographed by me," he wrote.

"One hundred per cent of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own)."

The American actor shared a photo of himself wearing a Varsity Blues jersey while holding a football, in a post paired with the Foo Fighters song My Hero.

The signed jerseys feature the name of his character, quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, from the 1999 film and autographed shirts are available for US$80 (A$122).

The post has been meet with global sympathy, highlighting the extreme costs associated with accessing healthcare in the US, where coverage depends largely on private insurance.

Van Der Beek earlier apologised to loved ones for hiding his cancer diagnosis, explaining he was forced to “alter” his plan because news of his diagnosis had been leaked to the media.

“There’s no playbook for how to 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,” Van Der Beek said in a post on Instagram in November.

“But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news,” he added.

He said he was “privately” dealing with the diagnosis and “getting treatment and dialing(sic) in my overall health with greater focus than ever before” before making his heath battle public.

James Van Der Beek has revealed he has cancer. Picture: Getty Images for iHeartMedia

James Van Der Beek with Dawson’s Creek co-stars Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams and Katie Holmes.

“I’m in a good place and feeling strong,” he told his fans. “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,” Van Der Beek continued.

“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.”

He added: “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support. More to come …”

In an interview with People, Van Der Beek said there was “reason for optimism”.

“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 US actor said.

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.

James and his family during Halloween. Picture: Instagram

James and his wife Kimberly share six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah. Picture: Instagram

Van Der Beek regularly shares happy snaps with his family on social media.

In August, he appeared to hint at his private health battle when he posted a message to mark his 14th wedding anniversary.

“Nothing could have prepared us for this past year – except perhaps the previous 12,” James wrote in the caption.

James thanked the support of his “incredible family”. Picture: Instagram

“Thank you for being the most incredible partner. You’ve broken me open in spots I didn’t even know were locked, and taught me how to receive more love than I thought possible.”

Amid his health struggle, Van Der Beek has continued to work including a recent cameo on the series Walker and he is also starring in the upcoming film Sidelined: The QB and Me.

Originally published as Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek breaks down on TV after cancer diagnosis