James Van Der Beek Forced to Miss Dawson’s Creek Reunion as Lin-Manuel Miranda Steps In Amid Actor’s Health Struggles
Beloved actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his iconic role as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, was expected to headline a long-awaited reunion of the cast in New York City. However, the star was forced to cancel his appearance at the last moment due to illness, leaving fans disappointed and sparking concern about his ongoing health battle. The event still went forward as a fundraiser for cancer awareness, with Broadway powerhouse Lin-Manuel Miranda stepping in to read the role of Dawson.
James Van Der Beek Withdraws from the Reunion
The charity reunion, organized to support the nonprofit F Cancer, was scheduled at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on September 22, 2025. Fans were eagerly anticipating seeing James Van Der Beek reunited with co-stars Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson. Unfortunately, Van Der Beek announced that he had been hit with two stomach viruses that left him unable to travel to the event.
He shared his disappointment on Instagram, calling the situation “gutting” and expressing how much he had looked forward to thanking everyone in person. His wife, Kimberly, and their six children attended in his place, representing his commitment to being part of the evening despite his absence.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Joins the Reunion Cast
In a surprise twist, Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton and In the Heights, agreed to take over the role of Dawson for the one-night reading. James Van Der Beek praised the decision, humorously calling Miranda a “ridiculously overqualified replacement” and even suggesting his kids might see him as an upgrade.
The live reading featured a wide roster of original Dawson’s Creek stars, including:
| Original Cast Attending | Roles in Dawson’s Creek |
|---|---|
| Michelle Williams | Jen Lindley |
| Katie Holmes | Joey Potter |
| Joshua Jackson | Pacey Witter |
| Busy Philipps | Audrey Liddell |
| Kerr Smith | Jack McPhee |
| Meredith Monroe | Andie McPhee |
| Mary Beth Peil | Evelyn Ryan |
| John Wesley Shipp | Mitch Leery |
| Mary-Margaret Humes | Gail Leery |
| Nina Repeta | Bessie Potter |
Health Struggles and Public Support
James Van Der Beek’s absence has refocused attention on his health. In 2023, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, a fact he revealed publicly the following year. Since then, he has been open about his medical journey, balancing treatment, recovery, and his family life.
His wife Kimberly expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, noting how important it was for their children to attend the reunion even though James could not. Fans worldwide also shared messages of encouragement, especially after a video message from the actor was played during the reunion.
A Return to Acting with New Role in Elle
Despite his health challenges, James Van Der Beek has been making a careful return to acting. Recently, he was cast in Elle, a prequel television series to the popular Legally Blonde franchise. In the show, he will portray Dean Wilson, a school superintendent with political ambitions.
This role is seen as a fresh chapter in his career, signaling his resilience and determination to continue working in the entertainment industry even while managing his health.
Why the Reunion Mattered
The Dawson’s Creek reunion was more than a nostalgic event. It stood as a symbol of friendship, resilience, and support for cancer patients and survivors. By bringing together the original cast and including a cultural icon like Lin-Manuel Miranda, the event raised awareness and funds for a cause deeply personal to James Van Der Beek.
