Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek shares cancer diagnosis aged 47

James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson's Creek, has revealed he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The 47 year old actor shared that he has been 'privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it with the support' of his incredible family.

'I have colorectal cancer,' he disclosed to People magazine. 'There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good.' Colorectal cancer originates in the colon or the rectum, according to the American Cancer Society.

Despite his diagnosis, James, who is a father to six children with his wife, Kimberly, has continued working. He recently made an appearance on an episode of Walker and is set to star in Sidelined: The QB and Me, due for release later this month.

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James, known for his portrayal of Dawson Leery in Dawson's Creek, relocated from Los Angeles to Texas four years ago to start a new life with his family. James and Kimberly are parents to six children - Olivia, 13; Joshua, 12; Annabel Leah, 10; Emilia, eight; Gwendolyn, six; and Jeremiah, two.

The couple tied the knot in Israel in August 2010 and welcomed their first child just a month later. James previously been married to actress Heather Ann McComb from 2003 to 2009.

James played a fictionalized version of himself on the cult ABC sitcom Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, starred on CSI: Cyber as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo and appeared as Matt Bromley on the first season of the FX drama Pose.

His film credits include Varsity Blues, Texas Rangers, The Rules of Attraction, Formosa Betrayed, Labor Day, and Bad Hair.