James Van Der Beek has announced that he will be unable to join us for The American Theatre Wing’s 2025 Fall Gala. He is now in the battle against Stage 3 colorectal cancer. Save the date — September 08, 2025! Come party with us in New York City as we celebrate twenty years of the landmark series Dawson’s Creek with a live script reading of the beloved pilot episode. As Van Der Beek’s Dawson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the composer behind “Hamilton,” will replace the star who’s been credited with keeping the movie industry alive during the coronavirus pandemic.
In November, Van Der Beek went public with his diagnosis on Instagram, sharing that he was focused on treatment and his health. He expressed, “I’ll be beaming and receiving from afar, in a hospital bed in Austin. And thank you @lin_manuel. You were a hero to my children before… now you’re a demigod.” His statement, released last week, captures both his appreciation that Miranda is able to step in as well as his profound attachment to the event.
Van Der Beek was originally going to be at the gala in person. Unfortunately, complications from two different stomach viruses kept him out of the competition. He expressed regret for not being present, stating, “This is the evening I’d been looking forward to MOST since my angel [and former ‘Dawson’s Creek’ co-star] Michelle Williams said she was putting it together, way back in January…”
While we missed him in person, he did inspire attendees to send some of his signature warmth and support. He urged the audience to “make all that love back in that room” and to “shine some of it on my family.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genius has brought down the house multiple times at the gala. His personal relationship with Van Der Beek, having appeared alongside him on “Dawson’s Creek,” makes his involvement all the more exciting. In the words of Miranda’s replacement, the ridiculously overqualified Van Der Beek, he conceded that had he ever dreamed Miranda would be available, he would have listed him at the top of his wishlist.
Miranda performed at the gala, entering a new role that has special significance to both artists. The annual gala aims to raise money for the American Theatre Wing. This directly impacts their mission to advance theatre and arts education.
Van Der Beek has had an extraordinarily positive mindset during his treatment process. In recent appearances on Good Morning America, he has said that he’s doing well both physically and emotionally in spite of the battle ahead.
