James Van Der Beek misses Dawson’s Creek reunion as Busy Philipps tears up over his cancer battle

james van der beek attended the Dawson’s Creek reunion in New York City in a way that underscored the emotional toll of his cancer battle: he did not appear in person, and his absence drew an outpouring of support from his former castmates and fans. Busy Philipps, who played Audrey Liddell on the series, told her Instagram followers Monday that it was heartbreaking for a million different reasons that James could not be there, while emphasizing that Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children were present. Philipps described the moment as beautiful despite the sorrow, noting that James was receiving videos, Facetimes and messages from friends and castmates throughout the night.

The reunion was staged in New York over the weekend, with Lin-Manuel Miranda stepping in to replace James at the table read of the first Dawson’s Creek episode, alongside the show's original stars Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams. James, who played Dawson Leery for six seasons, revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023 and has been open about the ongoing treatment and healing process since. He later appeared virtually at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where attendees watched him participate from afar as video messages and live chats circulated among the audience. Kimberly attended in his stead, joined by family and friends, as organizers highlighted the proceeds of the night for cancer causes and James’ treatment fund.

During Monday’s curtain call, James’ brood—Olivia, 14; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 11; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 3—took the stage with Kimberly and other Dawson’s Creek alumni. Two of his daughters carried microphones to sing the show’s theme song, “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” which moved Busy Philipps to tears. Later, she wrote on Instagram that she had to turn away for a moment when the girls began singing, admitting she was starting to sob and needed to pull herself together.

The event’s fundraising aims were clear: proceeds benefited F Cancer and James’ cancer treatment. James has been candid about his battle with cancer since his diagnosis in 2023, saying he is in a “place of healing” and that he would circle back publicly when he felt ready. The gathering brought together longtime Dawson’s Creek fans and the show’s cast for a night of nostalgia and support, with Kimberly and the kids sharing the spotlight as James’ closest circle continues to rally around him. The reunion also served as a reminder of the enduring impact of the show and its cast, who answered questions, shared memories and celebrated the show’s legacy while dealing with a difficult personal chapter that remains ongoing for the Van Der Beeks.

The mood of the evening balanced tribute with resilience, as cast members and guests reflected on the series’ place in pop culture and the ways in which fans remain connected to the characters decades after Dawson Leery and his peers first graced U.S. television screens. The assembly underscored the role of charity and community in the face of illness, with proceeds supporting research, treatment access and patient support services linked to cancer care. The night’s emotional crescendo—two of James’ daughters singing the theme song—stood as a poignant reminder of what the reunion means to the actor’s family and to viewers who grew up with the show.

Further acknowledgement of James Van Der Beek’s journey has been steady in the weeks since the cancer announcement, as his collaborators and peers continue to offer messages of support. The Dawson’s Creek reunion did not—and could not—fully erase the reality of his absence, but it provided a moment of connection and solidarity that fans and cast members alike found meaningful during a challenging period. As James focuses on treatment and recovery, his colleagues’ reflections and Kimberly Van Der Beek’s presence at the event highlighted the close-knit nature of the Dawson’s Creek family and the broader entertainment community’s commitment to supporting actors facing serious health battles.