DAWSON’S BIG BATTLE

IN A heartwarming twist, a weak-looking James van der Beek made a surprise virtual appearance at the much-anticipated Dawson's Creek reunion charity event. 

After initially withdrawing due to illness, he joined his co-stars at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City on Monday.

Van Der Beek, 48, who has been candid about his health struggles after being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, took to the stage in spirit through a pre-recorded video.

The actor, who portrayed Dawson in the much-loved teen drama, said he was hartseer that he couldn't join in person.

He said: “I can’t believe I’m not there. I’ve been looking forward to this night for months.”

“Thank you for coming. It’s just absolutely humbling to see how much you did for this night.” He went on to share his appreciation for the cast, crew, and especially the loyal fans that have supported him and the show over the years.

The actor added: “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.”

And he introduced Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda as his "understudy”, who he said his kids considered an upgrade.

“And, obviously, on Dawson's Creek, I had no understudy, but this is Broadway, and I needed one. So we figured we'd try to find somebody who had never understudied in this theatre before."

Just a day before the event, Van Der Beek posted on Instagram, revealing he was "gutted" after coming down with two stomach viruses, which ultimately forced him to miss the live reunion.

His devoted wife, Kimberly, ensured the couple’s children participated in the event, joining the cast onstage to sing Paula Cole’s iconic theme song, “I Don’t Want to Wait.” 

The star-studded reunion featured familiar faces including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson, who reunited for a reading of the show's pilot episode to benefit F Cancer.

Speaking to PEOPLE last year, James offered hope, stating, “Miracles do happen — and they happen all the time.”