Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek made a shock appearance at the show’s reunion last night (22 September) amid his battle with cancer.
The 48-year-old actor had dropped out of the reunion due to an illness amid his cancer battle. James is heartbreakingly battling stage three colon cancer.
However, fans were shocked as the star still appeared at the event – in a pre-recorded video.
James Van Der Beek makes special appearance at cast reunion
Monday’s reunion was to raise money for the charity F Cancer, in honour of James amid his own battle.
In his surprise video, James took the time to thank everyone for going to the event. And shared his heartbreak at not getting to be there in person.
He said: “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 don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person.
“And I just want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theatre for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew, everybody who’s doing anything has been so generous. And especially every single last one of you. You are the best fans in the world.”
While James couldn’t be there himself, his wife Kimberly and their six children attended the charity event. And two of their sons even took to the stage, performing the show’s theme song.
Fans show their support to James
After his shock appearance, fans quickly flocked to social media to support James.
One wrote: “Watching the Dawson’s Creek cast take their bow at the reunion without James Van Der Beek just wrecked me. Crying for him and for everyone who loved that show.”
Another penned: “I am tearing up. Praying for James Van Der Beek and his recovery. Really sweet of the entire cast of Dawson’s Creek to do this reunion in his honour.”
“Sadly James Van Der Beek appears to be struggling after his cancer treatment last year. Keep truckin’,” a third wrote.
Another fan didn’t actually know the star was ill. They penned: “Oh. I just found out about James Van Der Beek. Heartbreaking. I’m praying he makes a recovery.”
James’ cancer journey
Back in November 2024, James Van Der Beek revealed he had been privately battling colorectal cancer.
He said at the time: “I have been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There’s reason for optimism and I am feeling good.”
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