DAWSON'S Creek star James Van Der Beek made a shock appearance at the Dawson's Creek reunion despite canceling last minute over an illness. James began, "I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together. "The role of ‘Dawson,’ usually played by James Van Der Beek…Will be played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Dawson's Creek's James Van Der Beek sells merch from classic 90s film to fund cancer treatmentHowever, the Varsity Blues alum's family was there on his behalf, including his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. 7 Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson at the reunion Credit: instagram7 James revealed last year that he was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer Credit: instagram/vanderjames