Heartbroken Busy Philipps tears up over cancer-stricken James Van Der Beek missing ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion
Share and Follow


Busy Philipps got emotional discussing James Van Der Beek’s absence from the “Dawson’s Creek” reunion.

The actress teared up while telling her Instagram followers Monday how “heartbreaking” it was “for a million different reasons” to have her former co-star miss the New York City event.

“But I was so glad that Kimberly [Van Der Beek] and all the kids [were there],” the “Freaks and Geeks” alum, 46, added of James’ wife and their six children.

Philipps noted that the “Varsity Blues” actor’s dad and sister were also in attendance, as well as Kimberly’s family and friends.

“It was just really beautiful,” the former “Busy Tonight” host gushed. “James [was] getting lots of videos and Facetimes and texts and things. We just love him so much.”

James, who played Dawson Leery on the six-season show, announced over the weekend that he was missing the reunion amid his colorectal cancer battle.

The “Dancing With the Stars” alum was “gutted” but dealing with “two stomach viruses [that had] conspired to knock [him] out of commission and keep [him] grounded.”

He was replaced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with the Broadway star taking part in the table read of the first episode of “Dawson’s Creek” alongside Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams and more.

James did, however, surprise fans with a virtual appearance at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he told attendees. “I can’t believe I don’t get to see my … beautiful cast in person.

“It’s just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you,” James continued. “Thank you to every single person here.”

The “Pose” alum was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and went public with the news the following year, telling People he was “in a place of healing.”

He noted, “When I’ve been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll circle back and let you know.”

During Monday’s curtain call, James’ brood — Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 3 — joined Kimberly and “Dawson’s Creek” cast members onstage.

Two of his daughters had microphones and sang the show’s theme song, “I Don’t Wanna Wait” by Paula Cole, which made Philipps cry.

“NGL I did have to turn around for a sec when the girls started singing,” the “Girls5eva” star wrote via Instagram Stories on Tuesday. “I was starting to sob and needed to get it together.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Ruth Langsford Releases Concise Three-Word Statement Following Eamonn Separation

Television personality Ruth Langsford is preparing to open up about the intricacies…

John Travolta’s Son Ben Stuns Fans with Remarkable Transformation Over the Years

Over the years, John Travolta has offered the…

This Morning Star Reveals Drastic Measures After Husband’s Shocking Paedophile Revelation

Lynsey Crombie, a familiar face from ITV’s “This Morning” and famously known…

Tragic Loss: ‘All That’ Star Kianna Underwood Dies at 33 in Hit-and-Run, Final Video Emerges

The final video of Kianna Underwood, a beloved child star, evokes deep…

HGTV Star Leslie Davis Clears Up Rumors: Confirms Divorce Amid Engagement Speculation

HGTV personality Leslie Davis recently clarified the status of her personal life,…

‘One Tree Hill’ Star and Actress Wife Announce Separation After a Decade of Marriage

Tyler Hilton, known for his role in “One Tree Hill,” has revealed…

Discover the Inspiring Stories Behind Nobel Peace Laureates Who Donated Their Medals

Alfred Nobel, a multifaceted figure known as an…

How a Dashing Cowboy and Hollywood Career Transform Bella Hadid’s Journey Through Health Struggles

In the intriguing trailer for the upcoming sci-fi horror series “The Beauty,”…