Fans of Dawson’s Creek got more than they expected this week as the beloved teen drama cast reunited for the first time in 22 years.
The reunion, held at New York City’s Richard Rogers Theatre, was a heartfelt charity event for F Cancer, and it came with some surprising twists—including a special appearance from James Van Der Beek, who couldn’t attend in person due to his ongoing cancer battle.
James Van Der Beek Makes a Touching Virtual Appearance
At 48, James Van Der Beek, who famously played Dawson Leery, had to cancel his live appearance because of illness.
However, he didn’t let that stop him from participating.
The actor shared a pre-recorded video message, bringing his warm presence to the stage and letting fans know how much he wished he could be there in person.
“I’ve been looking forward to this night for months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” Van Der Beek said.
“I can’t believe I’m not there, seeing my castmates, my beautiful cast, in person.
I want to thank every single person in the theater—cast, crew, and fans—for making this night so special.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda Steps Into the Spotlight
Since Van Der Beek couldn’t attend live, the Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda took his place for the reading.
Van Der Beek joked that his kids would see Miranda as “an upgrade” over him—a sentiment that added a lighthearted touch to the heartfelt evening.
Family Support on Full Display
Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children were at the event, showing love and support for the actor.
Two of their kids even performed the show’s iconic theme song, I Don’t Wanna Wait, creating a touching family moment.
Kimberly shared on Instagram, “It was important to him that we come!!”
The couple’s children—Olivia, 14; Joshua, 12; Annabel, 10; Emilia, 8; Gwendolyn, 6; and Jeremiah, 3—clearly brought extra warmth to the reunion.
Memorable Moments From the Stage
The reunion brought the full cast together: Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps.
Holmes and Jackson were even seen holding hands on stage, delighting fans online.
In addition to the star-studded cast, a surprise video message from Steven Spielberg—Dawson’s hero throughout the series—added another layer of nostalgia.
Spielberg told the audience, “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet.”
Honoring F Cancer and Van Der Beek’s Journey
The charity event was not only a reunion but also a fundraiser to benefit F Cancer, honoring Van Der Beek as he battles stage three colon cancer.
The actor has been open about his journey since revealing his diagnosis in November 2024.
He shared that despite being unable to attend, he was overjoyed knowing the event was happening.
“Everyone please enjoy all the love in that room. Shine some on my family.
I will be beaming and receiving from afar in a bed in Austin,” he wrote on Instagram.
Reflections on Life and Health
Van Der Beek has spoken candidly about how his cancer diagnosis changed his perspective on life.
In interviews, he shared the lifestyle changes he’s made—prioritizing rest, a healthier diet, and yoga—and the emotional impact of hearing from fans who have gotten screened after his story.
He reflected on his journey publicly, stating, “I was faced with the question, ‘If I am just a too-skinny, weak guy, alone in an apartment with cancer, what am I?’ I realized I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist.
And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?”
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The event featured a live reading of Dawson’s Creek’s pilot episode, bringing back the love triangle between Joey (Holmes), Pacey (Jackson), and Dawson (Van Der Beek), with Williams completing the core trio as Jen Lindley.
Fans were reminded of the series’ charm, which captured the lives of teens growing up in the small town of Capeside from 1998 to 2003.