970x125
James Van Der Beek didn’t want to wait to greet fans at the “Dawson’s Creek” reunion.
Although the actor had to drop out of Monday’s event in New York City due to “two stomach viruses,” he made a surprise virtual appearance.
In a pre-recorded video, the “Varsity Blues” star expressed his regrets over missing the moment he had been “looking forward to for months and months” as the titular character in the six-season show.
The 48-year-old wore a brown jacket, white T-shirt and plaid hat in the emotional footage projected onstage at the Richard Rogers Theatre.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he told attendees. “I can’t believe I don’t get to see my … beautiful cast in person.”
Van Der Beek thanked “the cast [and] the crew [and] everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous.”
He also praised the “best fans in the world” for showing up for the live reading of the first episode of “Dawson’s Creek” as proceeds benefited the F Cancer organization — and his own colorectal cancer treatment.
“It’s just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you,” the “Pose” alum continued. “Thank you to every single person here.”
Van Der Beek went on to introduce his replacement, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Over the weekend, Van Der Beek announced the playwright would be taking over for him at the live reading.
“I DO have an understudy,” he wrote on Sunday while explaining how “gutted” he was to miss the event. “Someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me.”
The “Rules of Attraction” star, notably, shares six children — Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 3 — with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.
Kimberly and the little ones joined James’ former co-stars, including Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams, onstage Monday night.
Two of their daughters had microphones and helped cast members sing the show’s theme, Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Wanna Wait.”
Kimberly, 43, teased their attendance in an Instagram comment on Sunday, explaining that it was “important” for her husband that they show up in his stead.
James was diagnosed with cancer in August 2023, going public with the news in November of the following year.
“I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great,” he told People at the time. “When I’ve been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll circle back and let you know.”
Fans expressed concern over James’ appearance in Monday’s video, sending their well-wishes via social media.
“This just hit me like a brick. I’m so scared for him,” one wrote, while another urged James to “keep trucking” along.
