James Van Der Beek expressed his devastation after being forced to withdraw from the highly anticipated Dawson’s Creek reunion due to illness.
The cherished actor, who received a Stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in August 2023, shared on Instagram that “two stomach viruses knocked me out of commission”.
Alongside a promotional poster for the reunion event, the disheartened 48 year old wrote: “This is the evening I’d been looking forward to MOST since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together, way back in January… So you can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission and keep me grounded at the worst possible moment. The news comes as James Van Der Beek gives fans update into ‘full time job’ as he battles stage three cancer.
“Despite every effort… I won’t get to be there. I won’t get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most.”
He then disclosed that his role would be filled by none other than Hamilton legend Lin-Manuel Miranda, reports the Mirror.
The hit series Dawson’s Creek ran from 1998 to 2003.
“But I DO have an understudy,” James revealed. “A ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed he’d be available). Someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me… Plus, he already knows how to get to the theater. So that’s convenient.
“The role of “Dawson”, usually played by James Van Der Beek… Will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Can’t believe I just got to type that.
“Everyone please enjoy all the love in that room. Shine some on my family. I will be beaming and receiving from afar in a bed in Austin. And thank you @lin_manuel. You were a hero to my kids before… now you’re a demigod.”
The upcoming reunion of the show is a charity event scheduled for Monday (September 22) in New York City, featuring stars like Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, and John Wesley Shipp.
Joining them will be Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Phillips.
The actor, wed to business consultant Kimberly Brook since 2010 and father to six children, has been open about his ongoing battle with cancer, describing it as a ‘process for the rest of his life’.
James initially shared his diagnosis last year, informing his followers that he was “privately dealing” with the condition and taking necessary measures to “resolve it”.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.the-express.com ’
