James Van Der Beek, the former star of “Dawson’s Creek,” announced his diagnosis of Stage 3 colorectal cancer earlier this year. He made the revelation public on Instagram in November 2023, stating that he was “getting treatment and dialing in [his] overall health with greater focus than ever before.” The actor’s health issues have unfortunately led him to miss a charity event that included a live reading of the show’s pilot episode, which first aired in 1998.
In a first live television interview since sharing his diagnosis, Van Der Beek spoke with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts. He apologized for having to miss the charity event because of complications from a pair of stomach virus. Despite his absence, he noted that he would be “beaming and receiving from afar in a bed in Austin.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda — who made history with his score to the Broadway powerhouse “Hamilton” — agreed to cover Dawson’s role at the charitable fundraising gala. His participation injected an unprecedented level of excitement and star power to the occasion. Van Der Beek might have called Miranda a replacement, “ridiculously overqualified.” He continued that Miranda would have been his number one choice if he had ever dreamed she would be visible.
“But I DO have an understudy,” – James Van Der Beek
Van Der Beek praised Miranda, acknowledging the actor’s prior influence on his children, stating, “You were a hero to my kids before… now you’re a demigod.” He urged each audience member to soak up all the love in the room and to “shine some on [his] family.”
“Enjoy all the love in that room” – James Van Der Beek
The Academy Award-winning actor issued a heartfelt statement about how sorry he was to miss the event. He had looked forward to it since his old co-star Michelle Williams began making plans in January.
“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…” – James Van Der Beek
Though health issues have gotten the best of him lately, optimism is infectious with Van Der Beek. He reassured fans about his well-being during the interview, stating, “Physically, I’m great. I’m feeling really good emotionally. You know, it’s a lot. It’s really a ride.”
