The long-awaited Dawson’s Creek reunion finally took place on Monday night in New York City, but one very important face was missing—James Van Der Beek.
The actor, who played Dawson Leery, had been looking forward to the event for months, but his ongoing treatment for colorectal cancer and a bout of stomach illness forced him to step back at the last minute.
Even though James couldn’t be there in person, his family made sure his presence was still felt in a powerful way.
Family Takes the Spotlight
Instead of James, his wife Kimberly and their six children walked out on stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre to the surprise of both fans and castmates.
The audience erupted in cheers as his daughters Olivia, 14, and Emilia, 8, began singing Paula Cole’s unforgettable “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” the theme song of the show.
Soon after, Kimberly appeared with the couple’s other kids—Annabel, 10, Joshua, 12, Gwendolyn, 6, and little Jeremiah, 3—to join in the chorus.
The moment was emotional enough to bring many of the original cast members to tears, including Meredith Monroe, who was spotted wiping her eyes, and Michelle Williams, who embraced her on-screen grandmother Mary Beth Peil.
Michelle Williams at the Heart of It All
As it turns out, Michelle Williams was the mastermind behind the entire reunion.
She organized the live reading of the show’s pilot episode to benefit the cancer charity F Cancer, even arranging for her close friend Lin-Manuel Miranda to step in and read Dawson’s part after James had to withdraw.
James didn’t completely miss out—he appeared in a pre-recorded video shown to the audience, expressing his heartbreak at not being there.
“I’ve been looking forward to this night for months,” he said, praising Michelle for pulling everything together.
Gratitude From Kimberly
After the event, Kimberly shared her emotions in a heartfelt video, thanking Michelle and her husband, Broadway producer Thomas Kail, for making the night magical—not only for fans but also for her kids.
She described them as “exquisite, fairy angel humans” who had given her family unforgettable memories.
Kimberly also spoke warmly about the love and support surrounding James.
She recalled how Mary Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mom, continues to send birthday cookies to James every year and stays connected with their family.
Small acts of kindness like these, Kimberly said, bring the biggest smile to her husband’s face.
A Show That Left Its Mark
For fans, the reunion was more than just nostalgia.
Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003, followed a group of teenagers in the fictional town of Capeside as they navigated high school and later college life.
The series earned critical acclaim and even took home a Teen Choice Award in 2000.
Seeing the cast together again after 22 years was a reminder of how deeply the show still resonates.
James’s Cancer Journey
Away from the spotlight, James has been candid about his health struggles.
Last November, he revealed he had been diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer.
While the diagnosis was devastating, he’s maintained a hopeful outlook, supported by his family and lifestyle changes that include yoga and a healthier diet.
Earlier this year, as he turned 48, James reflected on what the experience had taught him.
Facing cancer head-on, he admitted, had forced him to confront his own mortality.
In his own words, it made him ask: “If I’m just a too-skinny, weak guy, alone in an apartment with cancer, what am I?”
His answer was profound—he realized that simply existing made him worthy of God’s love, and in turn, worthy of his own self-love.
Finding Strength in Love
James’s message to fans was clear: no matter your beliefs, it’s worth remembering that love and self-worth don’t have to be earned—they’re already part of you.
That perspective, paired with the love and support from his family, friends, and Dawson’s Creek castmates, has helped him face the toughest year of his life.
The reunion may not have gone exactly as planned, but thanks to his family and his castmates, James Van Der Beek’s spirit filled the theatre all the same.