Dawson's Creek reunion delivers steamy kiss as cast raises funds for cancer charity

A live Dawson’s Creek reunion delivered a moment that quickly dominated social media and fan chatter, as Joshua Jackson and Busy Philipps locked lips onstage during a staged reading of the pilot at New York City’s Richard Rodgers Theatre. The onstage kiss, part of a night organized to benefit James Van Der Beek’s F Cancer initiative, came more than two decades after their on-screen romance helped define the late-1990s drama.

The reunion brought back original cast members Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams for the staged read of the pilot, with Van Der Beek unable to attend in person due to ongoing health battles related to stage 3 colorectal cancer. He appeared via video to introduce the segment, and Lin-Manuel Miranda filled in to read Dawson Leery’s lines. The event served as a fundraiser associated with F Cancer, a cause Van Der Beek has publicly championed during his cancer journey.

During the reunion, Philipps, who joined the series in its fifth season as Audrey Liddell but reprised a flashback role as Pacey’s former high school English teacher, Tamara Jacobs, delivered a universally remembered comeback line before the kiss: “You fantasize about what it would be like to be with that young boy on the verge of manhood. Cause it helps you stay feeling attractive. Well, let me tell you something. You blew it lady, because I'm the best sex you'll never have!” Jackson, in character as Pacey Witter, teased the moment with the line that followed. The kiss drew an immediate wave of astonished reactions from the crowd and a wave of viral chatter on social platforms, with some fans calling it “every millennial’s dream.”

Philipps later joked on Instagram that her family—who were in the audience—wasn’t as thrilled about the notorious moment, adding a touch of humor to the evening’s emotional tone.

While the kiss dominated discussion, the night itself was framed as a reunion of sorts for the series that aired from 1998 to 2003 on The WB. Holmes and Williams joined Jackson, Van Der Beek and the rest of the ensemble for a live reading that revisited the show’s inaugural episode to raise funds for a cancer charity linked to the actors’ community work. The event underscored the enduring nostalgia for Capeside and its quartet of friends as fans celebrated the series’ cultural footprint while supporting a cause tied to a current health challenge for one of its own.

The Dawson’s Creek cast remains a touchstone for a generation, with the program earning recognition during its run, including a Teen Choice Award in 2000 for TV – Choice Drama. The reunion also highlighted the broader conversation around cancer survivorship and fundraising in the entertainment industry, a topic Van Der Beek has discussed publicly as he navigates treatment, family life, and the responsibilities that come with public visibility during illness.

In the weeks leading up to the reunion, Van Der Beek publicly shared updates about his health and treatment. In November, he announced a stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis and emphasized that while the news was daunting, there remained optimism for his recovery. He later spoke about lifestyle changes—such as healthier eating and practicing yoga—as part of his ongoing management of the disease. In a separate message marking his birthday, he described the past year as among the hardest of his life, while also reflecting on resilience and the support of loved ones. The onstage reunion and fundraising effort linked the cast’s enduring camaraderie with a broader message about perseverance and community support in difficult times.

As the show’s credits rolled on the night, fans left with a mixture of nostalgia and renewed attention on the personal journeys of the Dawson’s Creek actors. The stage reading offered a rare glimpse into the bonds that formed during the series’ original run, while the collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the attendance of Holmes and Williams underscored the lasting appeal of the show’s central ensemble. In the end, the event balanced entertainment history with a contemporary call to action, leveraging a beloved cult favorite to support a cause that touches many lives beyond Capeside.