Dawson’s Creek cast reunites as James Van Der Beek is forced to pull out due to illness amid cancer battle

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The entire cast of Dawson’s Creek reunited for the first time in 22 years on Monday. 

Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams came together at the Richard Rodgers Theatre to perform a live reading of the pilot episode of a show, all to raise money for the charity F Cancer.

I was thrilled to welcome some incredible talents to the project – Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and the wonderful Busy Philipps. It was a fantastic group to work with!

Joshua, 47, and Katie, 46-the actors who played Pacey Witter and Joey Potter-were seen holding hands on stage in videos posted to social media from the event.

James Van Der Beek, 48, had to miss the reunion because he was unwell while continuing to fight cancer. Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to take his place.

James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children were also at the event to show their support. Two of their kids even performed the show’s famous theme song, ‘I Don’t Wanna Wait’ by Paula Cole.

Amo muito o cast de Dawson’s creek❤🤧

— ❤ Camila Genovêz ❤ blue: milagenovez (@milagenovez) September 23, 2025

His wife and his other kids also later joined in. 

‘Was important to him we come!!’ Kimberly shared in her Instagram comments. 

Oh my gosh, they have *so* many adorable kids! Let me tell you, I know all their names – Olivia, who’s 14 now, and then there’s Annabel, she’s 10, and sweet little Emilia who’s 8. Don’t forget Gwendolyn, the youngest girl at 6! And the boys! Joshua is 12, growing up so fast, and then the little one, Jeremiah, he’s only 3 and just the cutest thing ever. Honestly, their family is just perfect!

The event held on Monday was a fundraiser for F Cancer, supporting actor James Van Der Beek as he fights stage three colon cancer.

During the event, a special video from Van Der Beek played for the audience, as per Us Weekly.

It’s so disappointing not to be there with everyone. I really wish I could hug my wonderful castmates in person, and I wanted to be on stage to thank all of you for coming tonight.

We want to thank everyone involved – the actors, the crew, and all those who generously volunteered their time. But most of all, thank you to all of *you* – you’re the most amazing fans, and we appreciate you coming!

He then praised Miranda for agreeing to take his spot at the last minute. 

In a surprising moment during the show, Steven Spielberg – a personal hero to Dawson throughout the series – made a special appearance with a video message.

‘Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet,’ he said.

The actor, who shared his diagnosis in November 2024, said he was very disappointed to miss the reunion.

The star portrayed the character of Dawson Leery in the teen drama which aired for six seasons.

Van Der Beek shared on Instagram Sunday that he’d been eagerly anticipating this event ever since Michelle Williams first mentioned planning it back in January.

The actor shared a poster announcing a ‘Dawson’s Creek Cast Reunion’ and explained he was very disappointed to miss it due to a bad case of the stomach flu. He said he had two stomach viruses at the same time, which kept him sick and unable to attend at a really unfortunate time.

He went on to say that, no matter how hard he tried, he wouldn’t be able to attend. He was deeply saddened that he couldn’t be on stage to thank everyone in the audience for their support, both for him personally and in the fight against cancer, especially during a time when he needed it most.

However, Van Der Beek explained that his spot will be filled by the Hamilton star.

He enthusiastically described the new performer as surprisingly well-suited for the role, then jokingly added that his children would probably prefer them. He also pointed out that the performer already knows how to get to the theater, which is a bonus.

As a huge fan, I was so touched by what he shared with all of us. He basically asked that everyone spread the love around at the event, and especially send some good vibes to his family. He’s recovering in Austin and said he’ll be watching and feeling all the positive energy from afar. It just warmed my heart to hear!

‘And thank you @lin.manuel. You were a hero to my kids before… now you’re a demigod.’

The group performed a live reading of the show’s famous first episode to raise money for F Cancer and support James Van Der Beek, according to an event announcement.

Dawson’s Creek was a popular TV show that ran on The WB network from 1998 to 2003. It won several awards, including a Teen Choice Award for best drama series in 2000.

Holmes played Joey, a childhood friend with a romantic interest in Dawson. Jackson was Pacey, another friend who ultimately became Joey’s true love. Rounding out the group was Williams, who portrayed the independent Jen Lindley.

The show followed the group from high school through college in the sleepy town of Capeside.

Last year in November, Van Der Beek revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis.

The actor revealed he had been quietly managing a health issue and working towards a solution, with the help of his family and friends.

‘I have colorectal cancer. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,’ he told People. 

A few months prior, in July, the celebrity shared how they were doing in their fight against cancer during an interview on the Today show.

He shared that he’s been making big changes to improve his health, including eating better and practicing yoga.

I’m learning to embrace a slower pace, making rest a priority, and accepting that’s enough for now. I’m simply focusing on the process, not just the outcome.

The Hollywood actor added, ‘It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.’ 

He shared that it meant a lot to him when fans told him they’d been inspired to get health screenings after he publicly discussed his experience with colon cancer.

It really means a lot when people recognize me – whether it’s at the gas station or a coffee shop. Those moments genuinely touch me and often bring tears to my eyes.

Van Der Beek explained that even sharing a story about getting a colonoscopy and having a polyp removed could potentially save someone else from having to go through the same experience.

The actor revealed he had been battling cancer back in March, when he celebrated turning 48.

In a social media video, he shared with his followers that the past year was the most difficult he’s ever experienced.

In a clip titled ‘What Cancer Taught Me,’ the former Dawson’s Creek star shared how facing a life-threatening illness helped him understand himself in a new way.

He explained that being separated from his family for medical treatment and living on his own made him confront his own mortality.

While thinking about who he was, the actor who voices Vampirina wondered, “If I’m just a thin, frail man, alone in my apartment and battling cancer, then what exactly am I?”

The actor, known for his role in Downsizing, explained he was pondering why his career seemed to have slowed down, and he eventually had a realization about it.

He realized that just by existing, he deserved God’s love. He then wondered, if he was worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t he also be kind to himself and believe he was worthy of love too?

Honestly, seeing James Van Der Beek say that just hit me so hard! He basically begged everyone – *everyone* – to take what he said to heart, no matter what they believe. It’s like, he doesn’t care if you don’t agree with everything, just *try* to live by the message, you know? It felt so genuine and… I just want everyone to listen to him!

James Van Der Beek found out he had cancer after a routine colonoscopy in August 2023, but he didn’t share the news publicly until November 2024.

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2025-09-23 06:36