James Van Der Beek is currently in a healing phase following his diagnosis of colorectal cancer, which he publicly revealed in November 2024. Just recently, he was unmasked as the Griffin on the popular singing competition, “The Masked Singer,” during the episode that aired on March 19, 2025.
In an interview with “Extra,” Van Der Beek shared his experience on the show and how it served as a much-needed distraction amid his ongoing health battles. He confessed, “I heard him sing in the dress rehearsal… and I immediately got on the phone with my wife. I was like, ‘Hey, babe, I don't think I'm going to be here past tomorrow. I think you better fly the kids out.'” This reaction came after feeling the pressure of voicing his part against other contestants, notably the skilled singer named Boogie Woogie.
Through his journey on “The Masked Singer,” Van Der Beek expressed how the experience brought him joy in a challenging time. He stated, “Especially with everything I was going through, and I just announced the health issues I was dealing with, so to be able to put on the mask and connect with an audience without that being a part of the equation was actually a really beautiful thing.” He added, “I appreciated the mask. The costume itself was heavy as could be… but the mask I appreciated.” This sentiment underlined his gratitude for the opportunity to momentarily step away from his health struggles and connect with fans only through his performance.
As a father of six, Van Der Beek also reflected on the significance of being a role model for his children throughout his cancer journey. He noted, “I could talk to them ’til I'm blue in the face about, ‘Hey, you got to try new things, you got to learn resilience,’ but I'm hoping that by watching me try something that they knew I was nervous about that that'll stick.” His children’s support and admiration for his appearance on the show have bolstered his spirits, as he shared, “To be able to do anything and have your kids think it's cool at the ages that they are… I'm counting the days, and I'm counting the blessings of them still thinking I'm cool, so, yeah, it was so heartwarming.”
Currently, Van Der Beek is looking forward to resuming his career after a month of relaxing. He revealed, “I feel like I can see the finish line… I'm in a healing phase, which is great. I'm going back to work next month.” He is particularly excited about the sequel to his successful movie, “The QB and Me,” in which he played a dad and described it as a hit project with remarkable young actors like Noah Beck.
Despite battling colorectal cancer since August 2023, and the challenges he faced along the way, Van Der Beek's outlook is filled with optimism. Recapping his emotional year on Instagram earlier this month, he reiterated that it has been the “hardest year” of [his] life. He shared candidly, “I had to come nose to nose with death. And all those definitions that I cared so deeply about were stripped from me. I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife. I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them.”
This intimate reflection highlights not just the physical but the emotional toll cancer can take, reaffirming the vital importance of support systems including family and friends. Throughout his journey in the public eye, Van Der Beek has emphasized the power of love and faith in overcoming adversity, remarking, “I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist… if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?”
Van Der Beek's resilience serves as an inspiration to many as he manages both his health recovery and a burgeoning artistic career, while still holding space for his six children whom he cherishes deeply. “The Masked Singer” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on FOX, where audiences can experience the joy and emotion that Van Der Beek brought to the stage during his stint on the show.
As he continues his healing process, fans and followers can take heart in his journey ahead—one marked by gratitude, renewal, and the support of a loving family.
