James Van Der Beek shared some tough news over the weekend: he’s had to bow out of the highly anticipated “Dawson’s Creek” reunion. The 48-year-old actor, best known for playing Dawson Leery on the hit ’90s show, feels “gutted” about missing the event.
Van Der Beek has been open about his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis, which he first revealed in November 2024 after keeping it private since August 2023. In an Instagram post on Sunday, he explained that two back-to-back stomach viruses knocked him out right before the big night. “I’m out of commission,” he wrote, calling it the “worst possible moment” to be sidelined.
The reunion, organized as a charity fundraiser for F Cancer, was set for Monday at New York City’s Richard Rodgers Theatre. It all started when co-star Michelle Williams, 45, pitched the idea back in January. Fans were excited to see Van Der Beek reunite with Williams, Busy Philipps, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and other castmates from the beloved teen drama.
Despite his efforts to push through, Van Der Beek confirmed he won’t make it on stage to thank everyone for their support during his cancer battle. “I won’t get to stand there and show my gratitude,” he said. But he had a silver lining: a star-studded replacement in Lin-Manuel Miranda. The “Hamilton” creator stepped in, which thrilled Van Der Beek. “I can’t believe I got to type that sentence,” he joked on Instagram, adding that Miranda is now a “demigod” to his kids.
Van Der Beek urged fans to soak up the love at the event and send some his way from afar. He’s recovering in bed in Austin, Texas.
His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, 43, and their six children—Olivia, 14; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 11; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 3—will still attend the reunion. “Was important to him we come!!” Kimberly commented on social media. The couple, married since 2010, has been each other’s rock through his health challenges. Earlier this year, she posted a heartfelt birthday message, wishing him “many many many many more birthdays” filled with laughter and health.
Van Der Beek has spoken glowingly about his family’s support. During a recent appearance on “The Masked Singer,” where he performed as a griffin, he credited them for getting him through a “really tough year.” “They’re my safe space, my home,” he told viewers.
When he went public with his colorectal cancer diagnosis last November, Van Der Beek sounded optimistic. “I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great,” he told People magazine. He promised to update fans once he’s fully in the clear.
The “Dawson’s Creek” reunion highlights the lasting impact of the show and the cast’s commitment to fighting cancer through events like this one with F Cancer.
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