James Van Der Beek makes surprise virtual appearance at Dawson's Creek reunion amid cancer battle

James Van Der Beek surprised fans with a virtual appearance at the Dawson's Creek cast reunion on Monday, delivering a pre-recorded message from Austin as the rest of the cast gathered in New York City for a charity event. Van Der Beek, who has been publicly battling stage three colon cancer, had withdrawn from the in-person reunion due to illness but did not let his absence stop the evening from proceeding as a fundraiser for F Cancer.

The Richard Rodgers Theatre in Manhattan hosted the gathering, which reunited Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams and the broader Dawson's Creek ensemble for the first time in 22 years. The live reading of the show's pilot episode was staged to benefit F Cancer, a cause Van Der Beek has publicly supported during his treatment. Lin-Manuel Miranda replaced Van Der Beek on stage for the performance portion, after his withdrawal from attending in person, and to the crowd's delight the Hamilton creator brought his own energy to the program. Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children were in attendance, underscoring the personal resonance of the night for the cast and the actor’s family.

In the pre-recorded video, Van Der Beek expressed his gratitude and his ongoing connection to the production. “I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” he said, adding, “I can't believe I'm not there. I can't believe I don't get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person.” He also acknowledged the logistical challenges that kept him from joining in person, noting that an understudy presence had to be arranged behind the scenes. “I had an understudy, but this is a problem... and, we figured trying to find somebody who had never understudied in this theater before,” he joked while introducing Miranda as the evening’s stand-in, quipping that his kids might regard the replacement as an upgrade.

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Van Der Beek’s message continued with thanks to the audience and the crew, as he told viewers that he would be watching from afar while resting at home in Austin. “Everyone please enjoy all the love in that room. Shine some on my family. I will be beaming and receiving from afar in a bed in Austin,” he said. He also commended Lin-Manuel Miranda for stepping in, calling him a “ridiculously overqualified replacement” and joking that his children would consider him an upgrade since he already knows how to find the theater.

On stage, the event showcased the original Dawson's Creek core cast—Holmes as Joey Potter, Jackson as Pacey Witter, and Williams as Jen Lindley—alongside a larger alumni lineup. Two of Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek’s children performed the show’s iconic theme, “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” a moment that underscored the family’s close ties to the project and the cause. The musical interludes and readings were designed to celebrate the series while raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support.

In addition to the in-theater performances, a video message from Steven Spielberg, a longtime admirer and the show’s cinematic influence, appeared on screen with a playful nod to Dawson’s hero status. “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson's closet,” Spielberg teased, emphasizing the enduring cultural footprint of the series.

The reunion was produced and directed with involvement from Dawson’s Creek veterans, including Jason Moore, who directed the segment, and producers Carl Ogawa, Williams, Thomas Kail, Maggie Brohn, Kevin Williamson, and Greg Berlanti. The star-studded evening served both as a nostalgic celebration and a charitable effort, underscoring the ongoing impact of the late-1990s show on fans and the industry alike.

Van Der Beek’s public health update comes amid a years-long battle with colorectal cancer that he first disclosed publicly in November 2024. He revealed that the cancer was discovered after a 2023 colonoscopy and has since prompted him to adjust his routines, including lifestyle changes and emphasis on rest. In recent interviews, Van Der Beek described the ongoing journey as a difficult but hopeful process, saying that he has leaned on his family and supporters as he pursues treatment and recovery.

The Dawson’s Creek cast reunion, which drew fans and press from across the country, marked the first time the core group had come together in more than two decades. The live reading aimed to celebrate the show’s legacy while directing attention to the work of F Cancer, an organization devoted to supporting cancer patients and funding research. Holmes, Jackson, and Williams shared previous public comments about the night’s significance, highlighting the enduring friendships formed during the series’ six-season run from 1998 to 2003 on The WB and later The CW.

As the evening unfolded, fans celebrated the in-person chemistry of an era gone by, even as the night’s central narrative remained focused on Van Der Beek’s health. The actor’s decision to participate remotely, paired with Miranda’s in-person performance, demonstrated how the Dawson's Creek family adapted to the constraints of illness without losing sight of the show’s communal spirit. The event’s fundraising goals and the messages of resilience resonated with audiences, underscoring the role of entertainment figures in raising awareness and support for serious health challenges.

Dawson’s Creek continues to be remembered for its portrayal of adolescence and friendship against the backdrop of Capeside, a fictional town whose stories helped define a generation of viewers. The reunion this week reinforced the show’s cultural relevance, while also shining a light on the real-world battles faced by its stars. Van Der Beek’s public timeline—a diagnosis in late 2024, a battle with treatment, and a hopeful return to fan-focused events—has become part of the ongoing narrative surrounding the actors and their enduring connection to the series and its community.