Busy Philipps couldn’t hold back her emotions while reflecting on James Van Der Beek’s absence from the highly anticipated “Dawson’s Creek” reunion in New York City. The actress, 46, took to Instagram on Monday to share just how “heartbreaking” it felt to have her longtime co-star miss the event.
Busy Philipps Shares Emotional ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Reunion Experience
EntertainmentNow“It was heartbreaking for a million different reasons,” Philipps said on her Instagram Stories. “But I was so glad that Kimberly [Van Der Beek] and all the kids [were there].” The “Freaks and Geeks” alum also noted that James’ father and sister attended, along with Kimberly’s extended family and friends.
Philipps, who starred as Audrey Liddell on the teen drama, called the night “really beautiful,” adding that James was still part of the moment despite being grounded at home. “James [was] getting lots of videos and Facetimes and texts and things. We just love him so much,” she gushed.
James Van Der Beek ‘Gutted’ To Miss the Reunion
James, who famously played Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek,” announced days earlier that he wouldn’t make the reunion as he continues to focus on his health. The actor revealed he had been hit by “two stomach viruses [that had] conspired to knock [him] out of commission and keep [him] grounded.”
Although Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to read the “Dancing With the Stars” alum’s lines during the pilot table read, fans still got a surprise when James appeared virtually at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
“I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to see my … beautiful cast in person,” he told the audience. “It’s just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you.”
The 48-year-old revealed in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer and has since spoken candidly about the work it takes to stay healthy. Appearing on NBC’s “Today” this summer, he shared, “I’m feeling great. It’s been a journey. Cancer is—I call it a full-time job.”
James explained he has embraced lifestyle changes like yoga, stretching, and a keto diet while also focusing on rest. “I’m just on the journey,” he said. “It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.”
During the reunion’s curtain call, Kimberly and the couple’s six children joined the cast onstage. Two of James’ daughters sang the series’ theme song, “I Don’t Wanna Wait” by Paula Cole, leaving Philipps in tears.
“NGL I did have to turn around for a sec when the girls started singing,” she admitted on Instagram Stories. “I was starting to sob and needed to get it together.”
