James Van Der Beek to miss ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion but taps a ‘ridiculously overqualified replacement’

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James Van Der Beek is very disappointed to be missing the live “Dawson’s Creek” reunion, which sold out incredibly quickly – in just 12 minutes last month.

The actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the popular TV show announced on Instagram Sunday that he can’t travel from Austin, Texas, to New York City for an event on Monday due to a pair of stomach viruses.

Van Der Beek expressed his disappointment about missing an event he’d been eagerly anticipating since January, when Michelle Williams organized it. He explained that despite his best efforts, he wouldn’t be able to attend and thank everyone who supported him and the fight against cancer during a difficult time.

Television

James Van Der Beek revealed he decided to share his cancer diagnosis publicly because a tabloid was threatening to publish the news first. He explained that there’s no easy way to make such a personal announcement.

James Van Der Beek was scheduled to reunite with his former “Dawson’s Creek” co-stars – including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson – for a live reading of the show’s very first episode from 1998. The series, which ran for six seasons, centered on Dawson, a young man hoping to become a filmmaker, and his friends Joey, Pacey, and Jen as they dealt with the challenges of growing up, school, and relationships. Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps, who joined the show later on, will be playing other characters in the reading.

To avoid upsetting fans, Van Der Beek announced that Lin-Manuel Miranda, a very talented performer, will be taking over his role.

He playfully admitted that his kids would probably prefer Miranda to him. He added with a laugh that Miranda already knows the way to the theater, which is a plus.

Television

According to People magazine, the actor is handling his recent diagnosis privately, but remains hopeful for the future.

A charity event supporting actor James Van Der Beek, who is battling Stage 3 colorectal cancer, will be held Monday at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City. The event, organized as a benefit for the organization F Cancer, was the idea of “Dawson’s Creek” creator Kevin Williamson and will feature an auction and opportunities for photos with the cast and crew.

Williamson said she brought on Thomas Kail and Greg Berlanti to assist with the project. Jason Moore signed on to direct, and the whole cast and crew of ‘Dawson’s Creek’ were enthusiastic and willing to contribute their time.

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2025-09-22 21:01