Katie Holmes pays tribute to James Van Der Beek and their ‘everlasting bond’ as Dawson’s Creek stars post poignant photos of cancer-stricken star’s family at show’s reunion

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James Van Der Beek‘s former co-stars from Dawson’s Creek were saddened to learn he couldn’t attend their recent reunion.

The stars of the popular show got back together Monday night at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York City. They teamed up with the charity F Cancer to perform a live reading of the very first episode they ever made.

James, the main actor, unfortunately had to cancel his appearance at the event. He became unwell while continuing treatment for stage 3 colon cancer.

Instead of appearing alone, James was surprised on stage by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. He had filmed videos beforehand to be shown during the performance.

Kimberly recently posted photos with Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Busy Philipps, her husband’s colleagues, expressing her gratitude for their kindness and support while he was away. She wrote that she missed him dearly, but their love and encouragement had been deeply comforting.

Katie, who played James’ on-screen girlfriend Joey Potter, also reminisced about that night, fondly remembering her close connection with the other actors on the show.

It’s impossible to explain just how much Michelle and Joshua Jackson mean to me. Seeing them with me on stage really hit home how special our connection is. It’s more than just a shared history; it’s a bond that will last forever, and I’m so grateful for the journey we’ve had together.

To James, Josh, and Michelle-with love, from April 1997. James, we believe in you and are here for you. We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported James and his family, both from the start and continuing now. And thank you for all your support last night.

James replied to the post, commenting: ‘Love you! Thank you for being you.’

Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for Hamilton, stepped in at the last minute to read through the script. This happened after a call from his friends, Michelle and her husband Thomas Kail, who needed a replacement.

The celebrated Broadway star posted his own pictures from the event, showing him posing with James’s family. He expressed how honored he was to be there and shared that he’d been sending James photos throughout the rehearsal process and during the evening itself.

Lin-Manuel explained that James unfortunately couldn’t make it to the Dawson’s Creek reunion in New York on Monday because he was sick with a virus. Thomas Kail let him know over the weekend.

Since I’m now a godfather to Tommy and Michelle’s child, covering for Dawson on short notice is just part of my usual responsibilities.

What followed felt like stepping into an episode of *Quantum Leap*. I was incredibly honored to fill in as an understudy, allowing the love for James, his family, and everyone involved in this amazing show to continue reaching audiences at the Rodgers Theatre and beyond.

A particularly touching moment happened at the end of the show when James and Kimberly’s daughters, 14-year-old Olivia and 8-year-old Emilia, performed the verses of Paula Cole’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Wait,’ receiving enthusiastic support from the entire cast.

The audience applauded as Kimberly walked onto the stage with her four children: Annabel, age ten; Gwendolyn, six; Joshua, twelve; and Jeremiah, three, to perform with the chorus.

Olivia stepped onto the stage and sang, ‘Let the morning light in, and say a small prayer for me.’

Then Emilia started singing, and honestly, it just hit me. She sang about needing to find peace within everyone if we wanted any chance of surviving – it was so powerful and really resonated with me.

Online fan videos show Meredith Monroe, who played Andie, crying during the song. Michelle, who starred as Jen, comforted her by hugging Mary Beth Peil, who played her grandmother on the show.

James had planned to attend the event with his colleagues, but unfortunately, he had to cancel because he came down with two stomach viruses just days before.

Instead of appearing in person, he surprised fans by showing up in a pre-recorded video. This allowed the entire cast of Dawson’s Creek to reunite for the first time in 22 years.

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

It absolutely breaks my heart that I’m missing out on being with everyone. I’m so disappointed I won’t get to see my amazing castmates face-to-face – they’re a truly wonderful group of people.

Kimberly thanked Michelle Williams for organising the show as she shared an emotional video. 

Kimberly shared that she had just spoken with James to process what happened the previous night, explaining that Michelle Williams was the one who came up with the idea and made it a wonderful experience.

Seeing my husband command the stage and feeling all the love for him was incredible. I’m still processing this amazing experience. Thank you so much for all your kind wishes, support, and prayers. It was a truly beautiful evening, and I already miss him.

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.

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.

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2025-09-24 14:19