Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has issued a devastating cancer announcement to heartbroken fans.
Van Der Beek delivered a heartfelt surprise to fans at Monday night’s Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event, appearing via pre-recorded video after being forced to cancel his in-person attendance due to illness.
Despite his absence, Van Der Beek’s presence was felt throughout the evening. In his recorded message projected onstage, the actor expressed his deep appreciation for the fans and cast members who made the charity event possible.
“I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” Van Der Beek said in the video, per People.
“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.”
The actor went on to thank attendees for their support, calling them ‘the best fans in the world’ and expressing how ‘humbling’ their dedication was to the charitable cause.
In a lighthearted moment, Van Der Beek introduced his replacement for the evening: Lin-Manuel Miranda, the acclaimed Broadway creator.
With characteristic humor, Van Der Beek joked that his children ‘would consider [Miranda] an upgrade’ from their father.
Miranda, 45, stepped into Van Der Beek’s role for the live reading, ensuring the show could go on as planned for the benefit of F Cancer, an organization supporting cancer patients and their families.
While Van Der Beek was unable to attend, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children were present at the event. Kimberly had shared on social media that attending ‘was important to him, we come!!’
The family joined the cast onstage during the evening’s finale, singing Paula Cole’s ‘I Don’t Want To Wait,’ the iconic theme song from the original series.
The charity event brought together the original Dawson’s Creek cast, including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps.
The reunion was specifically organized to benefit F Cancer and support Van Der Beek during his ongoing treatment.
The beloved teen drama, which aired from 1998 to 2003, tackled coming-of-age themes that resonated with a generation of viewers and helped launch the careers of its young stars.
Since announcing his colorectal cancer diagnosis, Van Der Beek has been open about his health journey while maintaining a positive outlook. In previous interviews, he has shared his philosophy of hope and resilience.
“Miracles do happen — and they happen all the time,” he told People in November 2024. “It’s scary at the onset. It’s overwhelming. Go easy on yourself. You got this.”
The actor has also spoken about finding purpose in his work and family life despite his diagnosis. “I’ve really been so blessed with my wife and kids,” he added. “I’ve got a lot to live for, and it’s a beautiful life.”
The 48-year-old actor, who has been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since his diagnosis in November 2024, was scheduled to participate in the live reading of the beloved WB series’ pilot episode at New York City’s Richard Rodgers Theatre.
However, he announced just one day before the event that he had developed stomach viruses and would be unable to attend.
