James Van Der Beek Surprises Dawson’s Creek Reunion After Skipping Due to Cancer Treatment.
James Van Der Beek, who is battling colorectal cancer, stole the spotlight during a virtual appearance at the Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event on Monday, September 22, only hours after he dropped out of the event because of health issues. The reunion took place at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York City.
While the 48-year-old actor couldn’t attend in person, a pre-recorded message was beamed onto the stage. In the heartfelt video, he thanked fans for buying tickets to support the charity and playfully billed Lin-Manuel Miranda as the “understudy,” a gesture that brought laughter and affection from the audience.
“I’ve been counting down to this night ever since my angel, Michelle Williams, first called to say she was making it happen,” Van Der Beek told the crowd. “Still can’t wrap my head around the fact that I’m not there. I miss my beautiful cast, the ones who lit up my life every day on set.”
He took a breath and added, “All I want is to stand under that spotlight and hug every soul in that theater. From the actors to the stagehands to the popcorn vendors and the usher with the sparkling smile, you make this night happen. And most of all, to my fans— you’re the gold medal in this whole journey.”
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Dawson’s Creek Reunion at Richard Rogers Theatre in NYC.
“You’ve built this moment for just all of us. Gratitude is ringing in my bones. So, thank you for every cheer, every letter you sent, every candle you lit for us. I may have had an understudy in Dawson’s Creek, but this… this is a whole other story. We thought we’d see who’s never the ‘second home’ kid in a theater.”
He brought up the real headliner, Miranda, and quipped, “My kids call this an ‘upgrade’— kids have zero chill!”
The star then snapped a joyful selfie, tipping his cap to the crowd.
On Sept. 21, the 48-year-old actor posted about being “gutted” due to a bout with two stomach viruses just 24 hours before the one-night-only charity show. He calmed worried fans by announcing a “stand-in” would fill in for him: Miranda, 45, to whom he referred by first name to show how close they all are. “Two stomach viruses” is all he tagged about the illness.
Kimberly, his wife, added that she and the kids would still go. “Really wanted him to be there with us, so we are carrying him in our hearts!” she explained to Instagram.
At curtain rise, Kimberly and the kids stepped to the mic and led the room in Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait,” the unforgettable theme that took us straight back to Capeside days. The crowd went nuts.
Dubbed the acclaimed WB show’s “mighty reunion,” the lineup that climbed the Richard Rodgers stage included Michelle, Katie, Joshua, Mary Beth, John Wesley, Mary-Margaret, Nina, Kerr, and Meredith, along with Busy for comic zest. The ensemble read the pilot to benefit F Cancer and to rally behind the actor, who, as fans know, received a stage 3 colorectal diagnosis last year.
Dawson’s alum Jason Moore directed a special event that was produced by a big-name team: Carl Ogawa, Moore himself, Williams, Thomas Kail, Maggie Brohn, Kevin Williamson, and Greg Berlanti. The original show ran for six unforgettable seasons, from 1998 to 2003, and highlighted teen issues that shaped a generation to adulthood.
James Van Der Beek has bravely opened up about his cancer journey since he revealed his diagnosis in November of last year. In November 2024, he assured fans he’s feeling good and had a hopeful reminder for anyone facing a similar battle:
“Miracles do happen—and they happen all the time. It’s scary at the onset. It’s overwhelming. Go easy on yourself. You got this.” He added, “I’ve been so blessed with my wife and kids. I’ve got a lot to live for, and it’s a beautiful life.”
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