The highly anticipated “Dawson’s Creek” reunion will go on without one of its biggest stars. James Van Der Beek revealed he will miss the one-night-only charity event due to health struggles, but he assured fans the show is in good hands with an acclaimed replacement.
James Van Der Beek Misses Dawson’s Creek Reunion Amid Cancer Battle
On Sunday, September 21, James Van Der Beek announced on Instagram that he would not appear at the reunion after being sidelined by illness. The 48-year-old actor, who revealed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis last year, said he had been hit with two stomach viruses at the worst possible time.
“This is the evening I’d been looking forward to MOST since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together, way back in January,” Van Der Beek wrote. “So you can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission and keep me grounded at the worst possible moment.”
Despite his disappointment, Van Der BEek shared his gratitude for the support surrounding the event, which will benefit F Cancer.
“Despite every effort… I won’t get to be there. I won’t get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most,” he said.
Van Der Beek previously told TODAY in July that battling cancer has been “a full-time job.” He shared that he’s made significant lifestyle changes, from yoga to a ketogenic diet, and is learning to slow down. “I’m just on the journey,” he explained. “It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda Steps In as Dawson
While Van Der Beek cannot attend, fans will still see Dawson Leery brought to life by another major star. The actor revealed that Lin-Manuel Miranda will take his place for the pilot episode reading at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City on Monday, September 22.
“I will have a ridiculously overqualified replacement… someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me,” Van Der Beek joked. “Thank you @lin_manuel. You were a hero to my kids before… now you’re a demigod.”
Miranda joins a star-studded lineup of “Dawson’s Creek” alumni, including Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps. The event, directed by Jason Moore and produced by Williams alongside Kevin Williamson and Greg Berlanti, will raise money for cancer research.
Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, confirmed she and their children would attend the reunion in his place. “Was important to him we come!!” she commented on his post.
Though the beloved actor won’t be on stage, his words assured fans he will be there in spirit. “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.”
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