James Van Der Beek, beloved for his role as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, left fans worried for his health after making a virtual appearance at a recent cast reunion.
The actor, who has been battling cancer since his diagnosis in 2023, appeared gaunt and frail in a pre-recorded video that was shown during the event.
His message, however, was filled with gratitude and appreciation for his fans and the Dawson’s Creek family.
Van Der Beek’s Cancer Diagnosis and His Message to Fans
In the video, Van Der Beek expressed his sadness about not being able to attend the reunion in person.
He shared how much he had been looking forward to the event and his disappointment at missing out on reuniting with his castmates.
"I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to hug this beautiful cast in person," he said.
"I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single one of you for being here tonight."
He also thanked the cast, crew, and fans for their generosity and support, calling them "the best fans in the world."
His message resonated deeply with fans, many of whom couldn’t help but notice his noticeably thin appearance.
"He looks so frail, it’s hard to watch," one fan commented, while another echoed: "He’s gotten so thin. Is it the chemo?"
Several others expressed their heartfelt wishes for his recovery, saying things like: “I pray this beautiful soul can beat this cancer; it truly breaks my heart for his beautiful family."
Support from the Dawson’s Creek Cast and Fans
Actress Mary Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother on the show, told Us Weekly how important it was for the cast to rally around their co-star.
"The first phone call I got was from James himself," Humes shared.
"He told me that Michelle [Williams] was spearheading this, and it was a way for us to actually have a reunion, all of us together, and celebrate James’ life. Because he’s dealing with a very difficult situation; very optimistic, but a difficult situation."
The support from his Dawson’s Creek family was clearly felt, as the reunion event was not only a celebration of the beloved TV series but also a way to honor Van Der Beek’s ongoing battle with cancer.
James Van Der Beek’s Battle with Colorectal Cancer
Van Der Beek first publicly shared his diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2023, and since then, he has been candid about his journey.
In an interview with PEOPLE last year, he reflected on the overwhelming nature of the diagnosis but also emphasized his gratitude for the support of his family.
"Miracles do happen — and they happen all the time," he said, offering hope to others facing similar struggles.
“It’s scary at the onset. It’s overwhelming. Go easy on yourself. You got this.”
He also shared how blessed he felt to have his wife and children by his side, saying, “I’ve got a lot to live for, and it’s a beautiful life.”