James Van Der Beek Drops Out of Dawson’s Creek Reunion Amid Cancer Battle
Actor withdraws from NYC fundraiser; Lin-Manuel Miranda to substitute; event proceeds to benefit F Cancer
James Van Der Beek has withdrawn from the long-awaited Dawson’s Creek reunion in New York City because of his ongoing cancer battle.
The 48-year-old actor, who publicly revealed a stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, said he is “out of commission” and will not be able to join his former co-stars on the Richard Rodgers Theatre stage for a charity fundraiser in partnership with F Cancer.
Two stomach viruses left him grounded at the worst possible moment, he wrote on Instagram over the weekend, explaining that he wouldn’t get to stand on that stage and thank the audience for their support and for rallying around cancer patients. He added that an understudy will take his place, calling the replacement an “ridiculously overqualified” option who would have been his wishlist had he imagined the person could show up. The substitute is Lin-Manuel Miranda, a move Van Der Beek celebrated with gratitude, saying the casting felt like a gift for his family and fans as he recovers in Austin.
The reunion was being organized by Michelle Williams, who began planning in January, and was set to feature Busy Philipps, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and other former co-stars. The one-night event in Manhattan aimed to raise money for F Cancer, a charity focused on cancer awareness and support.
The show will go on without Van Der Beek’s attendance, with Williams and the rest of the cast expected to participate as scheduled, though Van Der Beek said he would be watching from afar and beaming with pride for his family.
Filed notes from his posts indicate that while he is stepping back from live appearances, his role in the Dawson’s Creek reunion will be briefly modified to accommodate his health needs. The actor added that Lin-Manuel Miranda’s involvement comes with a personal resonance for his children, who have long admired the multitasking artist.
Van Der Beek’s family ties remain a central source of his strength. Kimberly Van Der Beek, his wife since 2010, is slated to attend alongside their six children—Olivia, 14; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 11; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 3—and she publicly supported her husband earlier this year, celebrating milestones and praying for continued health.
The couple’s public updates on his health trace back to August 2023, when Van Der Beek first disclosed his cancer diagnosis. He went public about his stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024, noting that he felt cautiously optimistic and aimed to circle back to his audience when he had regained strength. Friends and fans have watched his road to recovery through social posts and interviews, where he has attributed his resilience to his family and his support system, including his children and spouse.
The fundraiser event in New York is part of a broader effort to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support networks, with Williams and the organizing team hoping to spotlight the resilience of families facing a cancer diagnosis. While Van Der Beek will not be there in person, he encouraged fans to “enjoy all the love in that room” and to shine a light on his family, asking supporters to keep sending positive thoughts their way as he continues treatment and recovery.
