Dawson's Creek cast reunites for charity reading as James Van Der Beek pulls out amid cancer battle
At New York's Richard Rodgers Theatre, the stars staged a live reading of the pilot to benefit F Cancer; Lin-Manuel Miranda filled in after Van Der Beek withdrew due to illness related to his cancer fight
The cast of Dawson's Creek reunited Monday for the first time in 22 years for a live reading of the show's pilot at the Richard Rodgers Theatre to benefit F Cancer, but James Van Der Beek was forced to withdraw because of illness amid his ongoing cancer battle. Lin-Manuel Miranda replaced him on stage.
Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams were joined by a broader group of returning cast members at the event, including Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe and Busy Philipps. Two of Van Der Beek's children joined a short performance of the show's theme song, 'I Don't Wanna Wait,' as part of the evening's tribute. Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly, attended with their six children to offer support.
A video message from Van Der Beek played to the audience, in which he said he wished he could be on stage but was focused on his health. He thanked the cast, crew and fans for their generosity and praised Lin-Manuel Miranda for agreeing to step in at the last minute, calling him a 'ridiculously overqualified replacement.' He added that his family would be watching from home while he recuperates, and he expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
Organizers described the event as a live reading of the pilot to benefit F Cancer and James Van Der Beek. The fundraiser comes as Van Der Beek is publicly navigating a cancer journey, with his diagnosis disclosed in November 2024.
Steven Spielberg appeared on screen with a message addressing the cast and audience, offering his long-running admiration for Dawson Leery, the character played by Van Der Beek, and acknowledging the show's impact.
The show aired on The WB from 1998 to 2003 and followed a group of friends in Capeside as they navigated adolescence and early adulthood. It earned multiple awards, including a Teen Choice Award in 2000 for TV - Choice Drama.
Van Der Beek's health journey: He disclosed in November 2024 that he has stage three colorectal cancer, describing his diagnosis as serious but with optimism. He had previously discussed lifestyle changes and ongoing treatment in interviews earlier in 2024 and 2023, emphasizing the importance of cancer screening and family support.
Proceeds from the event were directed to F Cancer, a nonprofit supporting cancer patients and research, in honor of Van Der Beek as he battles the disease.
The reunion underscores the enduring fan interest in Dawson's Creek and the show's cultural footprint, as well as the ongoing public conversations about cancer and access to care among actors and fans alike.