Williams explained that the show, about a small-town high school student dreaming of becoming a Hollywood director, was inspired by his own life. James Van Der Beek gave voice to my childhood. He was the soul of the show.
He was the ultimate upgrade.” Van Der Beek died in February, two years after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023. James had a full character arc. He started out as a brat,” Williamson cracked.
Nobody knows what this word means.’ And I would say, ‘Well, don’t worry about it, the way you mumble nobody is going to hear it anyway.’ That was that was our relationship — Dawson talking to Dawson.” MORE: James Van Der Beek’s Career in Photos, From ‘Dawson’s Creek’ to ‘Pose’ In September 2025, a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion was held in New York to raise funds for F Cancer and Van Der Beek’s treatment and support. Williamson, Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe and Busy Philipps took the stage at the Richard Rodgers Theater to read the 1998 pilot episode. Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in for Van Der Beek because he was unable to attend due to illness.
He handled his cancer with such grace and courage.” Williamson also talked about his mom, who died of lung cancer. See photos from the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala below.
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