Liputan6.com, Jakarta Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery, surprised fans and castmates at the Dawson's Creek reunion.
Despite previously announcing his absence due to health concerns, Van Der Beek appeared virtually.
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This unexpected appearance came amidst his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, which he has been battling since his diagnosis in August 2023.
His presence, though only on screen, was a significant moment in the charity event, which was held in support of the F Cancer Foundation and himself.
The reunion, held at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City on Monday, September 22, 2025, was not only a nostalgic moment but also a show of solidarity.
Dawson's Creek Reunion Full of Emotion and Surprises
The Dawson's Creek reunion was held as a live reading of the show's pilot episode, with the noble goal of raising funds.
The proceeds will go to the F Cancer Foundation and to support James Van Der Beek, who is currently undergoing treatment.
James Van Der Beek was initially unable to attend in person due to two stomach viruses, according to People.
In an Instagram post, he revealed how much he had been looking forward to the event for months, especially since the reunion initiative came from Michelle Williams.
"I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together," Van Der Beek began.
"I can't believe I'm not there. I can't believe I don't get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person."
However, unexpectedly, Van Der Beek made a surprise appearance via a pre-recorded video projected on stage.
In the video, he thanked fans and introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda as his replacement, even joking that Miranda was a "very qualified replacement" and an "upgrade" for him.
"Thank you for coming. It's just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every single person here," he said.
"And, obviously, on Dawson's Creek, I had no understudy, but this is Broadway, and I needed one. So we figured we'd try to find somebody who had never understudied in this theater before."
His family also showed full support; Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly, and their six children were in attendance.
Kimberly expressed the importance of their presence, and in a touching moment, Kimberly and her children joined the cast on stage to sing the series' theme song, "I Don't Want To Wait" by Paula Cole.
The reunited original cast includes Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps.
James Van Der Beek's Journey Against Colorectal Cancer
James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, news he didn't announce publicly until November 2024.
He initially attributed his symptoms, which included changes in his bowel movements, to his coffee consumption.
Van Der Beek was unaware that he had passed the recommended age for screening, which has now been lowered to 45, highlighting the importance of early detection.
Van Der Beek has been open about his journey, using his platform to raise awareness for cancer.
He underwent intensive treatment at his home in Texas.
While specific details of his treatment were not disclosed, common treatments for the condition often involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, with nutritional therapy being a key component.
He acknowledged that his battle with cancer was a "full-time job" that forced him to "face death."
Condition Update and Lifestyle Changes
James Van Der Beek's prognosis for his stage 3 colorectal cancer has been described as "cautiously optimistic."
His cancer was diagnosed as localized, which, according to the American Cancer Society, has a five-year survival rate of 91%.
With renewed vigor, he has even returned to acting, including a role in the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle.
In July 2025, Van Der Beek shared an update on his health with Today, stating, "I feel great. It's been a journey. There have been so many ups and downs and so many unknowns.Cancer is—I call it a full-time job... It's a process. It's probably going to be a lifelong process for me."
In addition to medical treatment, James Van Der Beek has also made significant lifestyle changes by doing keto diet, does yoga regularly, and has adopted a stretching regimen.