James van der Beek didn’t want to wait to say hello to his fans at the Dawson Creek reunion.
The actor had to drop out of Monday’s event in New York City due to “two stomach viruses,” but he made a surprise virtual appearance.
In a pre-recorded video, the “Varsity Blues” star expressed regret over missing out on a moment of “looking forward to months and months” as the nominal character of the show for six seasons.
The 48-year-old wore a brown jacket, a white T-shirt and a plaid hat on emotional footage projected on stage at the Richard Rogers Theatre.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he told attendees. “I can’t believe I can’t meet my… beautiful cast.”
Van der Beek thanked the “the cast (and) the crew (and) everything and were very generous.”
He also praised “The Best Fans in the World” for the live reading of the first episode of “Dawson’s Creek.”
“I’m absolutely humbled and just want to say thank you to how much I did this night,” the “Pause” alum continued. “Thank you to everyone here.”
Van der Beek continued to introduce him to Lyn Manuel Miranda, his place.
Over the weekend, Van Der Beek announced that the playwright would take over for him in live readings.
“I have an understudy,” he wrote on Sunday, explaining that he “stolen” him from missing the event. “I’ll definitely consider my kids will upgrade me.”
He shares the “Rules of Charm” stars, particularly Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabelle, 11, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7 and six children with his wife, Kimberly van der Beek.
Kimberly and the little ones joined James’ former co-stars, including Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams, on stage Monday night.
The two daughters had microphones and helped cast members sing the theme of the show. Paula Cole’s “I don’t want to wait.”
Kimberly, 43, teased attendance in a comment on Instagram on Sunday, explaining that it was “important” for her husband to show up for him.
James was diagnosed with cancer in August 2023 and released the news the following November.
“I’m in a place of healing. My energy levels are amazing,” he told people at the time. “When I leave the forest completely for something that feels like a responsible time, I will come back and let you know.”
Fans expressed concern over James’ appearance in Monday’s video and sent their wealthy stuff through social media.
“This just hit me like a brick. I’m very scared to him,” another wrote, but another urged James to “continue the track.”
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