Christy Carlson Romano positive cancer screen: "Cancer everywhere" after James Van Der Beek death. PET scan ahead, family history, Even Stevens star urges tests.
"I'm Not Overreacting": Christy Carlson Romano Shares Cancer Scare, Family History, and Faith Amid Movie Filming (Image: File)
"Even Stevens" star Christy Carlson Romano disclosed a positive cancer screening result, warning "cancer is everywhere" while tearfully honoring James Van Der Beek. The 41-year-old actress, battling family history and a recent shooting incident, now awaits a PET scan amid filming a new movie.
Christy Carlson Romano rose to fame as Ren Stevens on Disney's "Even Stevens" from 2000-2003 opposite Shia LaBeouf. She voiced Kim Possible until 2007, later launching her "Vulnerable" podcast interviewing child stars and penning a memoir. Married to Brendan Rooney, she moms two young girls in Austin. Romano survived a shooting range accident last June, shot in the face 367 days ago.
Romano's test flagged potential stageable cancer, unlike husband Brendan's clean result. Family history drove it: both parents battled cancer—mom beat it, dad did not—plus her maternal grandmother lost to lung cancer. Next step: PET scan to check spread, but insurance fights delay coverage. She shared via Instagram reel, calling it a vulnerable time despite Florida movie shoot disbelief.
James Van Der Beek died Feb. 11 at 48 from Stage III colorectal cancer after years fighting; both lived in Austin where he was a community pillar. Romano met him often, praising his charity work and amazing family. A GoFundMe aids wife Kimberly and six kids amid "significant financial strain" from his care costs. Her words: "He’s not with us anymore. Cancer is everywhere. Which is why I got this test."
Disbelief hit during new film work: "I didn’t really want to think about it much until I got home." Faith anchors her: "Time to have a strong sense of faith and know that it’s in God’s hands." She dismissed overreaction labels: "Cancer’s pretty serious and I have two little girls." Instagram caption urged screenings, overriding "cringe" fears as duty to fans. Support poured from husband, Jaleel White, Giovonnie Samuels.
A: Possible stageable cancer; requires PET scan to detect spread.
A: Family history—parents and grandmother had cancer—plus Van Der Beek's recent death nearby.
A: Feb. 11, 2026, from Stage III colorectal cancer at age 48.
A: Yes, 367 days since shooting range face injury last June.
A: PET scan battle with insurers; filming movie, pushing memoir and podcast.
Disclaimer: This article is based on Christy Carlson Romano's public statements on Instagram and reports. Medical information is preliminary and subject. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
