
Actor James Van Der Beek has been forced to pull out of his scheduled appearance at the Dawson’s Creek Class Reunion event, planned in his honour, due to his health.
The American actor, 48, last year revealed he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which affects the colon.
The charity event, supporting F Cancer, was set to take place in New York City on September 22, but he told fans that he fell ill with “two stomach viruses” beforehand, amid his battle.
The likes of Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes were taking part in the event and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda was stepping in for Van Der Beek for the script reading.
“This is the evening I’d been looking forward to MOST since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together, way back in January…” he wrote in his post to fans.
“So you can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission and keep me grounded at the worst possible moment.
“Despite every effort… I won’t get to be there.
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“I won’t get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theatre for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most.”
“Everyone please enjoy all the love in that room. Shine some on my family. I will be beaming and receiving from afar in a bed in Austin,” he added in part.
A follower commented underneath: “While this is a wonderful event your health and comfort is paramount.”
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“Get well. Please. That’s the main concern. I’ll pay to see online,” another said.
He revealed his shock cancer diagnosis to People last year.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said at the time.
He is married to wife Kimberly and the couple have six kids together.
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