Busy Phillips has an emotional discussion about James van der Beek’s absence from the reunion of “Dawson Creek.”
The actress shed tears Monday, telling her Instagram followers that her previous co-stars missed the New York City event was “for millions of different reasons” and “heartbreaking.”
“But I was so happy with Kimberly (Van Der Beek) and all the kids (were there),” said alumnus of “Freak and Geek” who added James’ wife and six children.
Phillips said the father and sister of the “Varsity Blues” actor are also present as are Kimberly’s family and friends.
“It was really beautiful,” the original “Busy Tonight” host gushed. “James got a lot of videos, facets, text and things (which had) and we love him so much.”
James, who played Dawson Rayley on the six-season show, announced that he missed a reunion over the weekend amid the fight for colorectal cancer.
The “Dancing with the Stars” alum “had been brave” but dealt with “the two gastric viruses (he) being kicked out of the committee and conspired to maintain (him).”
He was replaced by Lynn Manuel Miranda, and the Broadway star joined the table.
However, James surprised fans with his virtual appearance at the Richard Rogers Theatre.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he told attendees. “I can’t believe I can’t see my… beautiful cast in person.
“I’m absolutely humbled at how much I did this night. I just want to say thank you,” James continued. “Thank you to everyone here.”
The “Pause” alum was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, and the following year he told people he was “in a place of healing.”
He said, “When I come out of the woods completely for something that feels like a responsible time, I’ll go back and let you know.”
During Monday’s Curtain Call, James’ Breood – Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabelle, 11, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 3 joined Kimberly and “Dawson Creek.”
Two of his daughters had a microphone and sang the theme song “I Don’t Wanna Waky” from Paula Cole’s show that made Phillips cry.
The “Girls5eva” star wrote on Instagram story on Tuesday. “I was starting to sob and I had to put it together.”
