James Van Der Beek makes first red carpet appearance since sharing cancer diagnosis
James Van Der Beek has made his first public appearance since sharing his colorectal cancer diagnosis.
The "Dawson's Creek" alum, 47, happily posed on the red carpet at the premiere of Tubi's "Sidelined: The QB And Me" at The London West Hollywood in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Thursday evening.
He looked stylish wearing a brown suit with a windowpane pattern and an orange sweater.
Earlier this month, Van Der Beek revealed he had cancer in a statement to People.
"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 actor said.
Colorectal cancer can be referred to as either colon or rectal cancer depending on where the cancer starts, according to the American Cancer Society.
In a People cover story, the "Varsity Blues" star shared that he is "cautiously optimistic" while battling his stage 3 cancer diagnosis.
"I'm in a place of healing, my energy levels are great," he said.
"When I've been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I'll circle back and let you know."
The six-time father — who shares Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel,10, Emilia, 8, Gwen, 6, and Jeremiah, 3, with wife Kimberly Van Der Beek — added that he "has a lot to live for."
James explained that he found out he was battling cancer after getting a colonoscopy.
"I felt really good coming out of anesthesia, that I'd finally done it," he recalled.
"Then the gastroenterologist said — in his most pleasant bedside manner — that it was cancer. I think I went into shock."