After making a virtual appearance at a recent cast reunion, James Van Der Beek, who is well-known for playing Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, left fans concerned about his health.

During the ceremony, a pre-recorded video of the actor, who has been fighting cancer since his diagnosis in 2023, showed him looking thin and weak.

However, he was very appreciative to his fans and the Dawson’s Creek family in his statement.

Van Der Beek’s Cancer Diagnosis and His Message to Fans
Van Der Beek lamented his inability to physically attend the reunion in the video.

He expressed his excitement for the occasion and his sorrow at not getting to see his co-stars again.

“I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to hug this beautiful cast in person,” he said.

“I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single one of you for being here tonight.”

In addition, he praised the fans, cast, and crew for their support and kindness, referring to them as “the best fans in the world.”

Fans found great resonance in his message, and many were drawn to his notably slender appearance.

Ezoic
“He looks so frail, it’s hard to watch,” one fan commented, while another echoed: “He’s gotten so thin. Is it the chemo?”

Several others expressed their heartfelt wishes for his recovery, saying things like: “I pray this beautiful soul can beat this cancer; it truly breaks my heart for his beautiful family.”

Support from the Dawson’s Creek Cast and Fans
The actress who portrayed Dawson’s mother on the program, Mary Margaret Humes, told Us Weekly that it was crucial for the cast to support their co-star.

“The first phone call I got was from James himself,” Humes shared.