James Van Der Beek’s wife and children leave Dawson’s Creek stars in tears with surprise appearance at live reunion after the actor was forced pull out of the event amid his cancer battle

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James Van Der Beek had to skip the Dawson’s Creek reunion on Monday because he wasn’t feeling well while undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer.

Instead, the actor was surprised on stage at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York City when his wife, Kimberly, and their six children appeared. The whole cast was moved to tears as the family sang the show’s well-known theme song together.

Olivia, 14, and Emilia, 8, the daughters of James and Kimberly, performed solo verses from Paula Cole’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Wait,’ receiving support from Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson.

The audience applauded as Kimberly walked onto the stage with her children: Annabel, age 10; Gwendolyn, 6; Joshua, 12; and Jeremiah, 3, to join the chorus.

Meredith Monroe, who played Andie, was visibly upset and crying during the song. Michelle, who played Jen, comforted her by hugging Mary Beth Peil, who played her onscreen grandmother.

James shared last night that Michelle came up with the idea for the event: a live reading of the show’s first episode by the cast, all to raise money for F Cancer.

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James had planned to attend the event with his colleagues, but unfortunately came down with two stomach viruses just days before and had to cancel. His friend, Lin-Manuel Miranda, stepped in to do the live reading in his place.

Fans were surprised to see James appear via a pre-recorded video when the cast of Dawson’s Creek reunited after 22 years.

James said he’d been eagerly anticipating this event for months, ever since Michelle Williams, whom he called his ‘angel,’ told him she was organizing it. James, known for playing Dawson Leery in the popular teen drama, shared this in a video.

Honestly, it’s really tough not being with everyone right now. I’m truly missing seeing my castmates – they’re such a wonderful group of people, and I always cherish our time together in person. It’s just not the same when we can’t connect face-to-face!

Kimberly expressed her gratitude to Michelle, sharing a heartfelt video after the event. She said she had just finished a call with James to process everything that happened, and emphasized that Michelle Williams was the driving force behind the successful night, calling it a wonderful experience.

Oh my gosh, you wouldn’t BELIEVE how amazing Michelle and her husband, Thomas Kail, were! Seriously, they just swooped in and made all these kids’ dreams come true on this trip. They’re honestly like, the most wonderful, magical people ever – total fairy godparents, I swear!

Honestly, the cast has been incredible. I just don’t think any words can truly express how much their support has meant to me. It’s been beyond amazing.

Kimberly shared how James has a wonderful relationship with Mary Margaret Humes, who played his on-screen mother on the show. She explained that Mary Margaret sends James cookies every year for his birthday, keeps up with all the children, and always sends thoughtful messages, which always makes James incredibly happy.

Michelle is a delight to work with! She’s brought a personal touch to set, filling every room with flowers and even changing our bedding to make everything feel more comfortable. She’s truly one-of-a-kind and incredibly kindhearted.

Seeing my husband command the stage and feeling all the love for him was incredible. I’m still processing such a special evening. I’m so grateful for all the kind messages, support, and prayers. It was a truly beautiful night, and I already miss him.

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

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

Last year in November, James 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. 

Just a few months prior, in July, the celebrity shared news about their fight against cancer during an interview on the Today show.

He shared that he’s been prioritizing a healthier lifestyle, including eating better and practicing yoga.

I’m learning to embrace a slower pace, making rest a priority, and seeing that as my current focus and purpose. It’s a process, and I’m enjoying the journey.

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

In March, the actor revealed he’d been battling cancer, sharing the news with fans on his 48th birthday. He described the past year as the most challenging of his life.

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.

Let me tell you, going through treatment and being separated from my loved ones really made me confront my own mortality. Living on my own, facing things head-on, it was a powerful, if difficult, experience. It forced me to truly think about life and what matters.

While thinking about who he was, the actor who voices Vampirina wondered, ‘If I’m just a thin, unwell man, by himself in his apartment and battling cancer, then what exactly am I?’

The actor, known for his role in Downsizing, explained he was thinking deeply about why his career seemed to have slowed down when he suddenly had a realization about his changing position in the industry.

He believed that just by existing, he deserved God’s love. And if God loved him unconditionally, he wondered, shouldn’t he love himself too?

The actor from Varsity Blues then urged viewers to apply the message to their own lives, no matter what they believe.

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2025-09-23 16:07