“Dancing With The Stars” alum James Van Der Beek surprised fans with a touching virtual appearance during the “Dawson’s Creek” reunion charity event on Monday, September 22. Though illness kept the 48-year-old actor from attending in person, the star, who is currently battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, shared a heartfelt pre-recorded message that played at New York City’s Richard Rodgers Theatre.
To donate to F Cancer, you can visit their website here.
EntertainmentNow“I can’t believe I’m not there,” the beloved Van Der Beek said in the emotional clip. “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my cast mates, my beautiful cast, in person, and I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who donated their time and has been so generous. And especially every single last one of you. You’re the best fans in the world. Thank you for coming.”
‘Keep Fighting James’: Fans Rally Around Van Der Beek
EntertainmentNowA fan wrote: “I was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in December 2022, and thankfully I am still here (doing better every day). Miracles DO happen. Prayers for him and his family going through this. 🩵”
Another comment read: “Sending you so many prayers and so much light and love. I pray you best this.🙏🏼🙏🏼”
A third fan wrote: “My 45-year-old brother recently beat stage 3 colon cancer. James, you’re in my heart.”
Another sweet comment read: “We (your fans) love you SO much @vanderjames! So glad you surprised everyone! 🎉🎉🎉🎉The reunion just wouldn’t have been the same without you! Praying always for you and standing with you and your family in healing love! 🙏🏾❤️”
A fan shared: “I’ve been rewatching Dawson’s Creek again. Seeing him in this condition…my heart breaks for him and all who love him!”
Kimberly Van Der Beek & Kids Join Cast Onstage
Although Van Der Beek was grounded in Austin, his wife, Kimberly, and their six children — Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah — attended in his honor. During the show’s closing moments, they joined the cast onstage to sing Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want To Wait,” the drama’s iconic theme song. “Was important to him we come!!” Kimberly shared on social media, confirming their family’s presence.
The night reunited Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps. Directed by Jason Moore and produced by Carl Ogawa, Williams, Thomas Kail, Maggie Brohn, Kevin Williamson, and Greg Berlanti, the reunion doubled as a fundraiser for F Cancer in honor of Van Der Beek.
“The first phone call I got was from James himself,” Humes shared. “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. Together as a TV family, we just thought we needed to be there for him and rally around him.”
Van Der Beek has remained open about his health journey since announcing his diagnosis in November 2024. “Miracles do happen — and they happen all the time,” he told People magazine last year. “It’s scary at the onset. It’s overwhelming. Go easy on yourself. You got this.”
Again, to donate to F Cancer, you can visit their website here.
