James Van Der Beek made a surprise virtual cameo at the Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event on Monday, September 22.

The 48-year-old actor, who was scheduled to read the pilot alongside the original cast for a charity event on Monday, appeared virtually to thank his co-stars and supporters.

James Van Der Beek Makes a visit at Dawson’s Creek Reunion

“I have been looking forward to this night for months and months, ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” Van Der Beek said in a video shown to the audience, which followers then shared on social media. “I can’t believe I am not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to see my castmates, my lovely cast, in person.”

Van Der Beek revealed on Sept. 21 that he had to drop out of the live reading of the beloved WB show’s pilot episode, which was organized to charity F Cancer. The actor cited “stomach viruses” as his reason for leaving out, yet he was already diagnosed with colon cancer in November 2024.

James Van Der Beek’s illness

In an Instagram post uploaded on Sunday, Sept. 21, only one day before the one-night-only charity event, the 48-year-old actor stated that he was “gutted” after suffering two distinct stomach bugs, but assured fans that he would have a “understudy,” which he confirmed to be Miranda, 45. Van Der Beek stated “two stomach viruses” as his reason for pulling out.

Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, said she still intended to attend with the couple’s children. “Was important to him that we come!!” she wrote. Kimberly and the couple’s children joined the cast onstage to perform Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want To Wait,” the show’s theme song.

Van Der Beek told PEOPLE in November 2024 that he was feeling okay and offered advise to those who were going through a similar experience. “Miracles do happen — and they happen all the time,” he told reporters.

“It’s scary at first. It is overpowering. Take it easy on yourself. “You’ve got this.” “I’ve really been so blessed with my wife and kids,” he told me. “I’ve got a lot to live for, and it’s a beautiful life.”

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