It’s been more than 20 years since the last episode of Dawson’s Creek aired, but the deep bonds formed in the fictional town of Capeside have proven to be anything but fictional. Today, the cast that once captured the hearts of a generation is once again coming together—this time, not on set, but in solidarity and support of a friend facing a personal crisis.
James Van Der Beek, who portrayed the idealistic aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery, revealed in November that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The news has been sobering for fans of the iconic ’90s teen drama, and even more so for the close-knit group of actors who grew up together under the spotlight. Now, in this moment of hardship, those connections are proving as resilient as ever.
On a recent episode of the Dinner’s On Me podcast, hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Joshua Jackson—who played the ever-charming Pacey Witter—shared a heartfelt update about how the Dawson’s Creek cast has rallied behind Van Der Beek. Although the cast has long since moved on to new chapters in their lives and careers, Jackson revealed that when one of their own was in need, the group didn’t hesitate to step up.
“James is going through something really, truly terrible right now,” Jackson said with unmistakable gravity in his voice. “And I wish I could take credit for this, but I was kind of the absentee partner here.” He went on to explain that the women of the cast—Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Busy Philipps—took the lead, organizing an effort to be there for their longtime friend.
The specifics of what they arranged remain private, a testament to the authenticity of their gesture. This wasn’t about publicity or social media posts. It was about showing up. As Jackson described it, “The girls all got together and were like, ‘We need to do something to help this guy out.’”
Though Dawson’s Creek ended in 2003, the group has stayed loosely connected over the years. Jackson acknowledged that life, as it often does, makes regular communication difficult. “It’s not a daily call,” he admitted. “Sometimes it’s not a weekly or monthly or even a half-yearly call.” Yet, despite the distance, the bonds remain intact. “I’m still closest with Katie,” he noted, reflecting on the enduring ties that time and circumstance haven’t managed to unravel.
It’s a reminder that true friendship—especially the kind forged in the crucible of youth and fame—isn’t always about constant contact. Sometimes it’s about being there when it really matters. And for James Van Der Beek, that time is now.
Fans of the show will remember the emotional complexity and rich character arcs that made Dawson’s Creek a cultural phenomenon. Behind the scenes, it appears those same emotional depths helped form lifelong connections among the cast. In moments of personal challenge, like Van Der Beek’s health battle, those roots grow even deeper.
The actor hasn’t spoken extensively about his diagnosis in recent months, but his earlier announcement in November marked a vulnerable and brave moment—one that clearly struck a chord with his former co-stars. At a time when the world can often feel disconnected, this reunion, even if born of hardship, is a poignant example of enduring loyalty.
As fans, we might not see the group chat lighting up daily, or the cast appearing on red carpets together, but the care and love behind the scenes are real—and powerful. It’s a reminder that some relationships, like the ones we watched unfold in Capeside, have a way of lasting long after the credits roll.
For now, James Van Der Beek continues his journey with the strength of not just his family and loved ones, but a cast of friends who once played out youthful dreams together—and who now stand beside him in real life, offering comfort, support, and solidarity.
