A star from cherished teen series Dawson's Creek made an unexpected showing at a special reunion gathering, reports the Mirror US.

James Van Der Beek, who played the titular character Dawson Leery, delivered an anticipated virtual contribution to the charity fundraiser yesterday (September 23) following his earlier withdrawal.

The 48 year old performer featured in a pre-recorded video message, which was broadcast at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York City.

Van Der Beek expressed gratitude to supporters for purchasing tickets to the event supporting the charity F Cancer, continuing to commend Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda, who acted as his replacement.

The performer, who received a stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024, revealed that he would be unable to join the reunion owing to "stomach viruses".

Despite Van Der Beek's absence, his fellow Dawson's Creek cast members attended the reunion, featuring Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe and Busy Philipps.

The ensemble gathered to perform a script reading of the opening episode of the popular programme, which broadcast from 1998 to 2003 across six seasons.

The reunion occurs 22 years following Dawson's Creek's conclusion and was arranged by star Williams in response to Van Der Beek's condition. Along with the cast, Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly and their children were present at the event, joining the cast on stage to sing the show's theme tune I Don't Want To Wait by Paula Cole.

Social media was abuzz with posts about the emotional reunion, with one fan writing on X (formerly Twitter): "IM CRYING MY EYES OUT DAWSONS CREEK [sic]."

Another exclaimed: "Holy moly! I'm bawling my eyes out. James' little ones singing? ! [sic]."

A third fan shared their reaction to a montage played at the event: "The emotional reaction I had to this montage they put together is very similar to the one I have whenever I watch the scene in the series finale in which Pacey plays Dawson's home video footage for Jen set to @Alanis' "Hand in My Pocket". #dawsonscreek [sic]."

In a previous Instagram post, Van Der Beek expressed his disappointment at being unable to attend the reunion, writing: "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..

"So 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.

"Despite every effort... I won't get to be there. I won't get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most.

"But I DO have an understudy. A ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed he'd be available). Someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me... Plus, he already knows how to get to the theater. So that's convenient.

"The role of "Dawson", usually played by James Van Der Beek..

"Will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

"Can't believe I just got to type that.

"Everyone please enjoy all the love in that room. Shine some on my family. I will be beaming and receiving from afar in a bed in Austin.

"And thank you @lin_manuel . You were a hero to my kids before... now you're a demigod [sic]."

Van Der Beek has been candid about his battle with cancer and previously shared with People: "Miracles do happen - and they happen all the time.

"It's scary at the onset. It's overwhelming. Go easy on yourself. You got this.

"I've really been so blessed with my wife and kids,".

The actor continued: "I've got a lot to live for, and it's a beautiful life."

Dawson's Creek is streaming on ITVX and Prime Video