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James Van Der Beek made a surprise cameo at the Dawson's Creek Reunion Monday night in NYC, this after he bowed out of the event due to his ongoing health issues, including cancer.

The actor — who played Dawson Leery on the hit TV show — appeared in a pre-recorded video on a virtual screen in the Richard Roger's theater in Manhattan— and introduced the man who stepped up to replace him — Lin Manuel Miranda .

Van Der Beek said he had been looking forward to the reunion for months after fellow actor Michelle Williams put the event together. He said he was disappointed he couldn't make it to see his co-stars, such as Joshua Jackson , Katie Holmes and Williams, who played Jen Lindley on the WB show. Instagram/@backtoyoubobpod

James then gave a shoutout to the f

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