Dawson‘s Creek reunite 22 years later as James Van Der Beek praises “angel’’ cast member for making it happen

Who could forget Dawson’s Creek, especially with its stellar cast line-up, from Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams to Busy Philipps and James Van Der Beek? Now, 22 years later, fans have been treated to a special Dawson’s Creek Class Reunion, with all the cast coming back together on stage in New York.

The Dawson’s Creek gang were at the Richard Rodgers Theatre live, doing a cast reading of the series’ beloved pilot episode, for a trip down memory lane in aid of the F Cancer charity. However, there was initially one notable absence from the line-up, as James Van Der Beek (who played Dawson Leery on the show) had to drop out due to issues around his health. Late last year, the star revealed he’d been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and this week, stomach viruses prevented him from joining the reading in person.

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In a post on Instagram, James announced he wouldn’t be able to attend, saying, ‘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.’

However, there was a big surprise in store on the night, as James made an unexpected virtual appearance instead – much to the delight of fans the world over. In his message, he thanked one cast member in particular.

Kerr Smith, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes in 2002.

‘I have been looking forward to this night for months and months, ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,’ Van Der Beek said via video link (according to People).

He added that he was ‘humbled’ and wanted to ‘thank every single person in the theatre for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you – you are the best fans in the world.’