James Van Der Beek Surprises Dawson's Creek Reunion with Virtual Appearance Amid Cancer Battle
Actor appears via pre-recorded video after withdrawing from the NYC event; proceeds support cancer causes and his treatment
James Van Der Beek delivered a surprise virtual appearance at a Dawson’s Creek reunion in New York City on Monday after pulling out of the event because he was sidelined by two stomach viruses. The live reading of the first episode, staged at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, raised funds for the F Cancer organization as well as Van Der Beek’s ongoing colorectal cancer treatment. The 48-year-old actor has publicly battled cancer and has been undergoing treatment since his diagnosis in 2023.
During a pre-recorded video shown onstage, Van Der Beek wore a brown jacket, white T-shirt and a plaid hat as he addressed the audience. He said he couldn’t believe he wasn’t there and expressed gratitude to the cast, the crew and everyone involved for their generosity. He also acknowledged the fans who packed the theater for the charitable reading and the onstage moment that kept him connected to the reunion.
Proceeds from the night benefited the F Cancer organization as well as Van Der Beek’s own cancer treatment, organizers noted. The event marked a bittersweet comeback moment for a cast that had hoped to share the stage with him in person. Van Der Beek did, however, introduce Lin-Manuel Miranda as his replacement, describing the moment as humbling.
Over the weekend, Van Der Beek wrote that he does have an understudy, joking that it was someone his kids would consider an upgrade over him. The actor’s spouse, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children were in attendance at various points, joining his former costars onstage. Their children—Olivia (14), Joshua (13), Annabel (11), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7) and Jeremiah (3)—even helped cast members sing the show’s iconic theme, I Don’t Wanna Wait, alongside the cast.
Kimberly, 43, teased their appearance in an Instagram comment ahead of the event, saying it was important for her husband that the family show support in his stead. The reunion brought together Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes and other alumni for a live reading of the opening episode. The onstage moment underscored the enduring appeal of Dawson’s Creek and its star-studded circle, even as the cast members continued to rally around Van Der Beek as he continues his cancer journey.
Van Der Beek disclosed his cancer diagnosis in August 2023 and went public with the news in November 2024. In interviews at the time, he described his outlook as he progressed through treatment and expressed hope about returning to projects when he was ready. Fans reacted with supportive messages across social media, with many praising his resilience and thanking him for continuing to participate in charity efforts despite his health challenges.
The Dawson’s Creek reunion itself has been a focal point for fans seeking a sense of connection to the series and its era-defining cast. Monday’s event, which blended live reading, onstage reunions and prerecorded appearances, highlighted the show’s lasting cultural impact while channeling audience energy toward philanthropic causes. As the cast members shared memories and performed together, the evening served as both a celebration of the show’s legacy and a fundraiser that aligns with Van Der Beek’s ongoing battle against cancer.
