Kevin Williamson honours James Van Der Beek as 'soul' of Dawson's Creek at charity gala

Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson paid tribute to James Van Der Beek as he accepted a Hero Award at a cancer charity gala in California.

Williamson called Van Der Beek "the soul of the show" while being honoured at the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala, producer Greg Berlanti's annual benefit for F Cancer, according to Variety. The event was held at the Santa Monica Barker Hangar and also honoured The Pitt star Katherine LaNasa.

Williamson said Van Der Beek had handled his cancer "with such grace and courage." He spoke eight months after Van Der Beek's death.

Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11, 2026, aged 48, reported The Hollywood Reporter. He had lived for two years after a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023.

He was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and made the diagnosis public in November 2024, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children.

The gala tribute followed a Dawson's Creek reunion in New York in September 2025. That gathering raised money for F Cancer and for Van Der Beek's treatment and support.

Van Der Beek could not attend in person because of illness. Lin-Manuel Miranda stood in for him on stage to read his part.

Van Der Beek still joined the night. He made a surprise virtual appearance at the charity event on Sept. 22, as reported by Yahoo.

For fans, this closes a difficult circle. A cast that came together last year to help their leading man has now gathered again to remember him.