September 23, 2025, Published 2:44 p.m. ET
Add Radar on Google
James Van Der Beek, who is currently battling cancer, unfortunately could not attend the highly anticipated Dawson’s Creek reunion held in New York City. Instead, he made a poignant appearance through a pre-recorded video, leaving many fans deeply concerned, RadarOnline.com reports.
The 48-year-old actor appeared visibly frail and gaunt as he addressed the audience and expressed his regrets about missing the event.
Just a day before the reunion, Van Der Beek revealed that he had to miss the event last-minute due to complications from multiple stomach viruses, stating he felt “gutted” over the situation.
Article continues below advertisement
‘I Can’t Believe I’m Not There’
Van Der Beek delivered a heartfelt message through a pre-recorded segment at the reunion.
In his recorded message, which focused on his somber health condition, Van Der Beek expressed heartfelt disappointment about not being able to join his castmates on stage. He was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in August 2023, and the reunion event aimed to raise funds for the “F Cancer” charity.
Michelle Williams, his co-star, was instrumental in organizing the event, where the original cast members gathered for a one-night-only reading of the show’s spectacular pilot script.
“I have been looking forward to this for so long since my angel Michelle Williams informed me about this fantastic gathering. I can’t believe I’m not there. I wish I could see my amazing cast in person,” shared Van Der Beek, offering thanks to the cast, crew, and to the “best fans in the world.”
The iconic coming-of-age drama graced The WB airwaves from 2003 through 2008.
Article continues below advertisement
James Van Der Beek surprised fans with an emotional message during the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion, after being forced to miss the event due to developing two stomach viruses.
“I wanted to stand on this stage and thank every single person in this theater,” the actor, who’s… pic.twitter.com/byYZy5rYKh
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) September 23, 2025
Article continues below advertisement
Character Inspiration
Fans were taken aback by Van Der Beek’s frail appearance.
In his message, Van Der Beek reflected on how the character of Dawson Leery drew significant inspiration from his love of the Broadway show The Phantom of the Opera. He compared the similarities between the two, saying, “Both characters faced the heartbreaking reality of unrequited love. They had to push the one they loved away saying, ‘Go to him. Go to him now before I change my mind.’”
This insightful comparison triggered an emotional reaction from the audience, enhanced by Van Der Beek’s jovial remarks linking it to Dawson’s infamous “crying face” meme, which emerged during a pivotal moment in Season 3 when Joey Potter, played by Katie Holmes, chose Pacey Witter over him.
He even introduced Broadway legend Norm Lewis to the stage, who then captivated the audience with a performance of Phantom’s Music of the Night.
Article continues below advertisement
‘So Heartbreaking’
Van Der Beek’s frail condition shocked audiences at the reunion.
As clips from the reunion made their way across social media, fans voiced their concern regarding Van Der Beek’s health. One user expressed sympathy saying, “He looks very frail – poor man,” while another remarked, “It’s so sad to see him like this; I just want to give him a hug, poor guy.”
Many comments echoed a similar sentiment, with spectators expressing their hopes for his recovery: “So heartbreaking to see. Really hope he beats this and comes back stronger than ever,” one user noted, while another shared, “I had no idea it had progressed that much; it’s so difficult to see him this way. I hope he pulls through.”
Never Miss an Update
Get daily updates from the heart of Hollywood delivered right to your inbox. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you consent to receive tailored marketing messages from us and our advertising partners. You also agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
READ MORE ON NEWS
Van Der Beek’s stage III colon cancer diagnosis in 2023 raised concerns among fans.
A day before the momentous reunion, Van Der Beek shared an emotional announcement revealing he was too ill to participate due to “two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out at the worst possible moment.” He conveyed his profound disappointment, stating, “Despite every effort… I won’t be there. I wanted to stand on that stage and thank everyone in attendance for supporting me against cancer when I needed it most.”
He comforted fans by mentioning that Broadway icon Lin-Manuel Miranda would be reading for him in his place.
In March, Van Der Beek disclosed in a heartfelt Instagram post, “It has been the hardest year of my life… I had to confront my own mortality and face death.”
This revised article maintains the structure and key points of the original while presenting the information in a unique way tailored for a WordPress platform.
