James Van Der Beek shocked fans on Monday with a heartfelt surprise during the Dawson’s Creek reunion. The 48-year-old actor, who plays Dawson Leery in the iconic teen drama, had to bow out of the live event due to illness while fighting stage three colon cancer. Despite missing the in-person gathering, Van Der Beek appeared in a pre-recorded video that left fans emotional.
The reunion, held at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, brought together the main cast for the first time in 22 years. Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams joined Van Der Beek’s replacement for the night, Lin-Manuel Miranda, for a live reading of the show’s pilot episode. Supporting cast members Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps also appeared, making it a star-studded night.
Emotional Video Message From Van Der Beek
In his video, Van Der Beek opened up about how much the night meant to him. “I’ve been looking forward to this for months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” he said. “I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t see my cast in person.”
He thanked the fans and everyone involved in the reunion. “I want to thank every single person in the theater, from the crew to the cast, to everyone supporting this event. You are the best fans in the world,” he said, his voice full of gratitude.
The actor also joked about his understudy situation. “On Dawson’s Creek, I had an understudy, but for this night, we had to find someone completely new,” he laughed. He then introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda as his replacement, teasing that his kids would consider him “an upgrade.”
Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children attended the event in his honor. Two of their kids performed the show’s famous theme, Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Wanna Wait.” Kimberly shared on Instagram, “It was important to him that we come!” Their children are daughters Olivia, 14, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, and Gwendolyn, 6, and sons Joshua, 12, and Jeremiah, 3.
Sweet Moments on Stage
Fans were treated to several touching moments during the reunion. Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes, who played Pacey Witter and Joey Potter, were seen holding hands on stage. The emotional scene quickly circulated on social media.
The event raised money for F Cancer, honoring Van Der Beek’s fight. In a special surprise, Steven Spielberg, who served as Dawson’s hero throughout the series, appeared on screen. “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet,” he joked.
A Longtime Dream Delayed by Illness
Van Der Beek revealed he had been “gutted” to miss the reunion. In an Instagram post days before, he shared how two stomach viruses kept him home. “I won’t get to stand on that stage and thank everyone for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most,” he wrote.
He reassured fans that Lin-Manuel Miranda would take over his role. “He’s ridiculously overqualified,” Van Der Beek joked. “Plus, he already knows how to get to the theater, so that’s convenient.” He asked fans to enjoy the love in the room and send good vibes to his family, promising he would be “beaming from afar in a bed in Austin.”
Van Der Beek Opens Up About His Cancer Battle
Van Der Beek first revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024. He had been privately battling stage three colorectal cancer with the support of his loved ones. He described the past year as “the hardest of my life,” sharing how the diagnosis forced him to confront his own mortality while living alone during treatment.
Earlier this year, he spoke about the lifestyle changes he’s made, including focusing on a healthier diet and practicing yoga. “The beauty of taking things slowly and prioritizing rest… I’m just on the journey,” he said. He also expressed how moved he was when fans shared that they got checked for colon cancer after hearing his story. “It makes me cry,” he admitted.
In a birthday video posted in March, Van Der Beek reflected on life and faith. “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?” he asked. He encouraged fans to carry the message into their own lives, regardless of their beliefs.
A Night Fans Won’t Forget
The Dawson’s Creek reunion reminded fans why the show remains a cultural touchstone decades later. Between live readings, surprise messages from Spielberg, and Van Der Beek’s emotional appearance, the night celebrated friendship, nostalgia, and the resilience of a beloved cast. For Van Der Beek, it was a bittersweet moment—one he couldn’t attend in person but participated in with heart.
James, may God continue to give you strength and hope every day. Your courage and honesty inspire all of us.
