DAWSON’S Creek star James Van Der Beek made a shock appearance at the Dawson’s Creek reunion despite canceling last minute over an illness.
Fans had been eager to see the cast of the 1990s-2000s drama series reunite on Monday in New York City for the special event.
James Van Der Beek starred in Dawson’s Creek[/caption]
He shocked fans by appearing on video at the reunion[/caption]
James’ wife and six children went to represent him at the reunion instead[/caption]
It was announced earlier this year that the gang would be back together for a live table read of the show’s 1998 pilot episode on Broadway in New York City.
Michelle Williams, who played Jen Lindley throughout the show’s five-year run, orchestrated the charity event, which benefits F Cancer and James following his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
However, hours before the gathering, James announced in an Instagram post that he could no longer attend after coming down with “two stomach viruses.”
But he didn’t leave fans disappointed, as he made a surprise appearance over video.
James began, “I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together.
“I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person.”
He continued, “I want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you – you are the best fans in the world.
“It’s just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every single person here.”
He then introduced his understudy Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The reunion also had the cast, including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, coming together at the end and singing the intro song I Don’t Want to Wait by Paula Cole.
‘WORST POSSIBLE MOMENT’
James announced on Instagram on Sunday night he would not be attending the show.
“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,” the actor 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 every effort… I won’t get to be there.”
James then shared that he’d solicited another big-name star to replace him: Lin-Manuel.
“But I DO have an understudy,” the father of six went on. “A ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed he’d be available).
“Someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me… Plus, he already knows how to get to the theater. So that’s convenient.
“The role of ‘Dawson,’ usually played by James Van Der Beek…Will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Can’t believe I just got to type that,” James added.
Fans were devastated about James’ absence but wished him a swift recovery on social media.
However, the Varsity Blues alum’s family was there on his behalf, including his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
Kimberly confirmed their appearance in the comments of James’ post in response to a fan’s remark.
“We are all here! Was important to him we come!!” she wrote.
AN EPIC REUNION
The reunion would have been the first time that all the original members of the Dawson’s Creek cast were together since the show’s end in 2003.
This included Michelle, Katie, Joshua, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps.
Although Busy, Kerr, and Meredith didn’t join until later seasons, they were heavily involved in the event by reading various roles from the first episode.
The director of the reunion was Jason Moore, who had directed three episodes of the then-WB series.
While Lin has no connection to the show, he has quite an impressive resume as a writer and star of the Broadway production, Hamilton.
He also co-wrote songs for Disney’s Moana and Encanto, and appeared in numerous other well-known programs, such as Tick, Tick…Boom! and Mary Poppins Returns.
Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson at the reunion[/caption]
James revealed last year that he was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer[/caption]
Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in as James’ ‘understudy’ for the reunion special[/caption]
