How Dawson’s Creek Reunion Addressed James Van Der Beek’s Absence

James Van Der Beek found a way to be virtually present at the Dawson’s Creek reunion, even if his physical presence was notably absent. The gathering of the show’s stars—including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson—took place at the celebrated Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway.

On Monday, September 22, Williams, 45, Holmes, 46, and Jackson, 47, electrified the audience by stepping onto the stage to embody their iconic characters: Jen Lindley, Joey Potter, and Pacey Witter. The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers that echoed throughout the theatre. This buzz was followed by a heartfelt video message from Van Der Beek himself, providing a poignant reminder of his connection to the event and his gratitude for the fans.

“I can’t believe I’m not there,” the 48-year-old actor expressed with evident sorrow. He further lamented missing the opportunity to embrace his fellow cast members and conveyed his deep appreciation to the audience for their support. “You are the best fans in the world. Thank you for coming,” he declared, invoking a warm sense of camaraderie.

Van Der Beek cleverly addressed his absence by discussing his character, Dawson Leery. “Now, obviously on Dawson’s Creek, I didn’t have an understudy. But this is Broadway,” he humorously pointed out. He playfully mentioned wanting to cast someone his children would “consider an upgrade” from him—setting the stage for the guest appearance of none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was met with resounding applause from an eager audience.

While unable to attend due to his ongoing battle with stage III colon cancer, Van Der Beek remained connected to the event emotionally. He had announced his absence via Instagram just the day before, sharing how much he was looking forward to this reunion orchestrated by the talented Michelle Williams back in January. “You can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission,” he lamented, expressing disappointment over missing this significant moment.

He went on to laude Miranda, acknowledging his presence as the ideal understudy for his role. “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 shared poignantly, emphasizing the community spirit forged during this reunion.

Kimberly, Van Der Beek’s wife, assured fans through social media that she and their six children—Olivia, 14; Joshua, 12; Annabel, 10; Jeremiah, 3; Emilia, 8; and Gwendolyn, 6—would be present at the reunion, embodying the spirit of family he holds dearly.

Williams, Holmes, and Jackson were not alone in this noble initiative. They were joined by fellow cast members Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps, all of whom came together to raise funds for important causes, such as F Cancer. Such efforts exemplify the strong bonds formed during their time on Dawson’s Creek and the enduring support they provide for one another in times of need.

“The first phone call I got was from James himself,” revealed Humes in Us Weekly’s Dawson’s Creek cover story earlier this month. “He told me that Michelle was spearheading this, and it was a way for us to actually have a reunion, all of us together, and celebrate James’ life. Because he’s dealing with a very difficult situation; very optimistic, but a difficult situation. Together as a TV family, we just thought we needed to be there for him and rally around him.”

Philipps added another layer of dedication around this reunion by taking part in the organization of the event alongside Williams. “I’ve been helping organize it. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s so exciting to bring everyone together for James,” she stated, echoing the sentiment of unity and support within the cast.