James Van Der Beek , best known for playing Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek , has been battling cancer for at least a year. When he skipped an in-person charity event with his former co-stars from The WB series, fans were concerned about James’ health.

“I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” James said in a surprise pre-recorded clip at the September 2025 Dawson’s Creek charity event in New York City. “I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to see my castmates, my beautiful cast in person. … And just 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

See Full Page