When the solid of “Dawson’s Creek” reunited for the primary time in 22 years, pleasure buzzed via followers worldwide.
But one absence left a heavy shadow. James Van Der Beek, as soon as the face of youth tv as Dawson Leery, was lacking.
Behind the scenes, the actor was confronting not solely the sickness that has outlined his previous 12 months, but additionally the crushing disappointment of lacking a second he had lengthy awaited.
Article continues under commercial
A Reunion With out James Van Der Beek
The beloved 48-year-old star revealed final 12 months that he had been recognized with stage three colorectal most cancers.
His sickness has reshaped his profession, each day life, and even his most treasured alternatives. When the reunion profit was introduced, Van Der Beek was decided to attend.
Nevertheless, simply hours earlier than stepping onto the stage, he was pressured to drag out.
“This reunion profit was one thing that James was ready for because it supplied him a change of tempo, and to have the ability to see so many individuals that he liked was going to be so particular,” a supply near him shared with the Every day Mail. “The truth that he was unable to do it was a significant disappointment.”
As an alternative, his spouse Kimberly and their six kids stood in his place.
Article continues under commercial
In a deeply emotional second, two of his daughters sang Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” the music endlessly tied to the present.
“It was a second the place his sickness received briefly, however to see how the occasion made [fans, as well as] his household really feel and to see his daughters sing was such an unimaginable second,” the supply added. “It gave him a variety of happiness.”
Article continues under commercial
The Frail Determine Followers Couldn’t Ignore
Though James Van Der Beek couldn’t seem stay, he despatched a prerecorded message.
On the massive display screen, followers had been moved not simply by his phrases but additionally by his visibly weakened look. His body regarded frail, and the picture sparked concern throughout social media.
The supply acknowledged the problem however insisted it was not with out hope.
“He’s taking all of it step-by-step, and although he appears frail, if he wasn’t doing higher than anticipated, you wouldn’t have seen his household there,” they shared.
The message was clear. Van Der Beek could also be struggling, however his presence, despite the fact that digital, was a testomony to his resilience.
The insider added, “This journey goes to take some time, however he’s being constructive and there may be optimism that he’ll find yourself truly being OK.”
Article continues under commercial
James Van Der Beek Speaks From The Coronary heart
On Instagram, he defined his absence with heartbreaking honesty. He admitted he was “gutted” that “two abdomen viruses” knocked him out of fee and saved him grounded “on the worst potential second.”
“Regardless of each effort… I received’t get to be there. I received’t get to face on that stage and thank each soul within the theater for exhibiting up for me, and towards most cancers, after I wanted it most,” he wrote.
In his prerecorded video, he stated, “I’ve been wanting ahead to this evening for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams stated she was placing it collectively. I can’t consider I’m not there. I can’t consider I don’t get to see my solid mates, my stunning solid in individual.”
Article continues under commercial
He continued with deep gratitude for the occasion and its supporters, saying he wished he might have stood on stage to personally thank everybody within the theater, from solid and crew to followers. He additionally praised their generosity and known as them the most effective supporters on this planet.
Van Der Beek concluded by expressing how deeply humbled he felt by the overwhelming help for the occasion and prolonged heartfelt gratitude to each single one that made it potential.
James Van Der Beek Continues Combating With Hope And A Smile
For these closest to him, Van Der Beek’s energy lies not solely in medical therapy however in his outlook.
His prognosis, insiders admit, “isn’t the best,” but he stays decided. The supply defined, “Van Der Beek is preventing and feels hopeful that his most cancers battle is one thing he’ll truly win.”
Even when days develop tough, his spirit doesn’t falter. “And whereas there are actually unhealthy days,” the supply revealed, “he all the time approaches all the things with a smile on his face.”
His optimism extends into the longer term because the insider famous, “He would love nothing greater than to have one other one among these reunions the place he’s 100% wholesome the subsequent time they do it. He sees what he missed and doesn’t wish to miss one other one.”
Article continues under commercial
The Legacy Of ‘Dawson’s Creek’ And Past
The reunion itself was a testomony to the enduring love followers have for “Dawson’s Creek.”
Forged members Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams joined forces onstage, supported by Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps.
Collectively, they learn the pilot episode to profit F Most cancers.
Although absent, Van Der Beek left followers with a way of presence. His humor, too, shone via when he joked about being changed for the night.
He stated, “And, clearly, on Dawson’s Creek, I had an understudy, however it is a drawback… and we figured looking for any individual who had by no means understudied on this theater earlier than.”
With that, he launched Lin-Manuel Miranda as his stand-in, quipping that his kids would possibly see the Broadway legend as an “improve.”
The laughter blended with emotion reminded everybody that whereas sickness might take a bodily toll, it can not erase the charisma, resilience, or gratitude of James Van Der Beek.
