James Van Der Beek Moves Fans with Unexpected Appearance at 'Dawson's Creek' Reunion After Canceling Due to Illness

A surprise video message from the beloved "Dawson's Creek" star left fans emotional during a reunion event that he was forced to miss.

James Van Der Beek, the beloved star who brought Dawson Leery to life over six unforgettable seasons, was too ill to attend the hotly anticipated reunion event at New York's Richard Rodgers Theater on September 22, 2025. But that didn't stop him from making his presence known in a way that left the audience in shock.

Though visibly frail, the 48-year-old actor appeared in a prerecorded message that quickly became the emotional centerpiece of the night.

Dressed in a brown leather jacket, white T-shirt, and flat plaid cap, Van Der Beek delivered a heartfelt tribute to his castmates, the fans, and the show that defined a generation.

"I can't believe I'm not there. I can't believe I don't get to hug my castmates, my beautiful cast, in person," he confessed in the clip, full of longing.

A Bittersweet Night for the "Creek" Family

Although "Dawson's Creek" favorites Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps lit up the stage, something vital was missing.

Dawson himself.

Still, Van Der Beek's touching video message helped fill the void. He thanked the audience, calling "Dawson's Creek" watchers "the best fans in the world," and went on to introduce none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda — his stand-in for the evening.

Shocked Reactions Flood Social Media

Clips of the moment quickly circulated online, where the outpouring of love turned to concern as fans reacted to the actor's gaunt appearance.

"Why everything feels like a farewell [sic]??" someone commented on Instagram. Another added, "He looks so thin 😢."

One person implored, "Oh this breaks my heart 😢 praying for healing 🙏," while someone else echoed, "Breaks my heart seeing him this thin I pray he can beat this cancer [sic]."

On Reddit, fans were just as stunned and devastated. "Omg I didn't realize he's lost that much weight from cancer, that's scary," one exclaimed. Another was just upset, writing, "My heart just hurt."

"☹️ He's so thin. Wishing him the best," wrote a concerned netizen, adding a personal story about their own mother's battle with Stage Three rectal cancer and eventual remission after six months of treatment.

Still, amidst the sadness, there was a flicker of celebration for the reunion, which was held in benefit of the nonprofit F Cancer and Van Der Beek himself.

"We gave them like a 5 min standing ovation. It was amazing!" someone expressed on Instagram, while another said, "Oh wow thank you so much for posting these for us!! I wish he made it, but I get why he couldn't. It was so nice of everyone to do this for him 😭❤️."

A Gutted Star and a Family's Presence

Van Der Beek had already announced on September 21, just one day before the event organized by Michelle Williams, that illness would keep him away.

"So you can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission and keep me grounded at the worst possible moment," he revealed on Instagram.

Still, his spirit was there, and so was his family. His wife, Kimberly, and their six children attended the event in his place and joined the cast on stage during a heartwarming group sing-along of the show's iconic theme song.

"Everyone, please enjoy all the love in that room. Shine some on my family. I will be beaming and receiving from afar in a bed in Austin," Van Der Beek added.

Facing Cancer With Courage and Sharing the Journey

Just months ago, the actor opened up about his battle with Stage Three colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he received in 2023 but kept private until November 2024. He appeared on the "Today" show to share his story and advocate for early screenings.

He told the hosts there had been no obvious warning signs, so people needed to get checked if they are over 45 or have a family history of the disease.

Furthermore, Van Der Beek explained how the condition had profoundly changed his life, forcing him to slow down, cherish small moments, and face difficult challenges, like accepting help and telling his children about his condition.

"I'm far from an expert, but our approach was just be as honest as possible, as honest to the degree of their understanding, right?" he explained when asked what advice he would give other parents who are dealing with cancer.

He continued by stating that children know when their parents are having a hard time, so not being open with them is more confusing. "I think it's also your journey is their journey," he added.

Redefining Himself Through Faith and Love

In March, Van Der Beek posted a powerful birthday reflection video to Instagram, laying bare the internal journey he's endured. Once defined by roles like actor, father, and provider, he found himself unable to do any of it during cancer treatment, not even tending his own garden. But, he turned inward.

He meditated, faced his mortality, and ultimately discovered a deeper truth. He realized he was worthy of love simply by existing — and that God already loved him.