James Van Der Beek honors daughter’s milestone and Dawson’s Creek ties as he battles cancer
Actor reflects on Olivia at 15 — the age his character was at the show’s start — during a Dawson’s Creek reunion fundraiser while continuing treatment for stage 3 colorectal cancer.
James Van Der Beek shared a personal connection between his daughter and the television series that made him a household name as he continues to battle stage 3 colorectal cancer. On Olivia’s 15th birthday, the actor pointed out that she has reached the same age his Dawson Leery character held at the pilot of Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. The remark came as the family participated in a Dawson’s Creek reunion fundraiser, with Olivia performing the show’s theme song “I Don’t Want to Wait” alongside other family members while Van Der Beek joined the event virtually because of illness.
The charity gathering brought together much of the original cast for a live reading of the pilot episode at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York. Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson were among those in attendance in person or via prerecorded appearance, while Lin-Manuel Miranda served as the understudy for Dawson Leery during the onstage reading. Van Der Beek did not attend in person, but he issued a video message from Austin, where he said he’d be watching and beaming with pride from afar as his wife Kimberly and their children supported the event.
In a social media post ahead of the event, Van Der Beek described Olivia’s 15th birthday as a moment to pause and celebrate how she has grown and how he has watched her navigate big decisions, school commitments and everyday life at a pace that astonishes him. He shared excerpts from a lengthy caption that blended affection with a candid reflection on parenting under extraordinary circumstances.
"My oldest turned 15 today," he wrote, noting that was the same age Dawson was in the pilot. "To watch you stand there in that red dress, so confidently taking center stage amidst all those people I’ve known so long and cherish so deeply… I’m just left in awe." He also spoke about how, over the past year, he had learned as a parent that perfection isn’t the point and that responsibility and accountability are valuable lessons worth modeling for her.
Van Der Beek described a recent moment at his daughter’s high school football game, where she apologized and took responsibility for a small misstep—an instance he called "a remarkable moment" and one he hoped she learned from him. He added that he was more proud of how she handled the situation than if she had done everything perfectly from the start. In the caption he offered words of encouragement: "Keep taking big swings, kiddo. Risk imperfection. Keep dreaming big and most importantly, be true to who you are. Because, while only YOU will know exactly who your most authentic self will be, as someone who’s known you your whole life… I can guarantee you’re going to love her." He concluded with a birthday wish: "Happy birthday kiddo. I love you."
The reunion and Olivia’s performance came as Van Der Beek continues treatment for colorectal cancer diagnosed in November 2024. He has described feeling grateful for the support of family and fans as he navigates the illness, telling People that miracles do happen and acknowledging the emotional toll of a public health challenge. In recent weeks he missed a live reading of the pilot in person due to illness and stomach viruses, but his wife attended the event with their children to stand in for him and to support the cause.
The family’s participation at the fundraiser underscored the enduring bond among the Dawson’s Creek cast and the broader community that has formed around the show for more than two decades. Other cast members who joined or contributed include Williams, Holmes, and Jackson, with a prerecorded message from Van Der Beek and additional stars joining them onstage for the night. The event was organized in part to support cancer-related causes and to celebrate the series that helped launch the careers of several actors who remain connected to fans today. Van Der Beek has spoken publicly about his diagnosis and the importance of staying positive and grateful for the life he has, his wife, and their six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 11; Emilia, nine; Gwendolyn, six; and Jeremiah, two.
As he continues treatment, Van Der Beek’s public appearances are limited, but his message through family moments and the reunion effort has resonated with fans who have followed his career since the Dawson’s Creek era. The reunion undertaking highlighted the lasting impact of the show and the supportive community surrounding those involved, even as some, like Van Der Beek, share personal health battles that demand resilience and perseverance.