James Van Der Beek Misses Dawson’s Creek Reunion Due to Illness but Sends Emotional Surprise as Family Takes the Stage
James Van Der Beek, beloved for his role as Dawson Leery in the iconic teen drama Dawson’s Creek, was forced to miss the much-anticipated cast reunion in New York after being sidelined by illness. Despite his absence, the night turned into an emotional celebration filled with surprises, heartfelt performances, and a strong reminder of the actor’s ongoing health journey.
Dawson’s Creek Reunion Brings Cast Back Together
The Dawson’s Creek class reunion took place on September 22, 2025, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City. Stars Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Busy Philipps reunited for a live reading of the 1998 pilot episode. The event was held in support of the cancer nonprofit F Cancer, giving the nostalgic evening a powerful charitable purpose.
Fans were eager to see James Van Der Beek join his co-stars on stage, but illness kept him from attending in person.
James Van Der Beek’s Surprise Appearance
Although unable to appear physically, Van Der Beek made sure his presence was felt. A pre-recorded video message from the actor was played, in which he expressed his disappointment at missing the reunion and thanked both fans and co-stars for keeping the spirit of the show alive.
To the delight of the audience, he introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda as his stand-in for the evening. The Hamilton creator stepped into the role of Dawson, making the night even more memorable with a unique twist that no one expected.
Family Takes the Spotlight with a Touching Performance
Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children attended the reunion on his behalf, bringing a deeply personal touch to the evening. Two of his daughters, Olivia (14) and Emilia (9), joined the cast on stage to sing Paula Cole’s iconic theme song, “I Don’t Want to Wait.”
This touching moment not only honored their father’s absence but also showcased the strength and unity of the Van Der Beek family.
Table: James Van Der Beek’s Family Participation at the Reunion
| Family Member | Role in Reunion Night |
|---|---|
| Kimberly Van Der Beek | Represented James in the audience |
| Olivia (14) | Sang theme song solo |
| Emilia (9) | Joined in performance |
| Other children | Stood on stage with the cast |
Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Battle
James Van Der Beek has been open about his health journey since revealing in late 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His diagnosis dates back to August 2023, and he has since balanced treatment with family life and professional commitments.
His recent absence from the reunion underscores the challenges of his ongoing battle, yet his determination to contribute virtually shows his dedication to fans and colleagues.
The Significance of the Dawson’s Creek Reunion
The reunion wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It also served as a way to raise awareness about cancer and to generate funds for F Cancer, reinforcing the importance of community and support during health struggles.
Michelle Williams, who spearheaded the idea for the reunion, praised the fans for their continued devotion to the series and acknowledged Van Der Beek’s resilience.
