Fan-favorite “Dancing with the Stars” alum James Van Der Beek, best known for playing Dawson Leery on the hit series “Dawson’s Creek”, opened up about reconnecting with some of his former “Dawson’s Creek” castmates after years of not speaking. During a recent interview on Jana Kramer’s “Whine Down” podcast, the actor said their time apart was due to simply living their own lives, as reported by People magazine.
“We all went our separate ways and, you know, just didn’t speak for years because we’re just living our lives and doing our things,” Van Der Beek said. “And to just reconnect and be like, ‘Oh, wow. I love who you’ve become.’”
While he didn’t confirm which cast members he recently spoke with, People previously reported that Katie Holmes told the UK news outlet, The Times, that she still keeps in touch via text with Van Der Beek, and the other lead cast members, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson “every now and then.” She added, “Everyone’s grown up and is busy, but the bond will forever be there.”
“Dawson’s Creek”, which aired from 1998 to 2003, became a defining teen drama of its era and remains a fan favorite. The show helped launch the careers of its lead cast and continues to resonate with viewers through streaming platforms.
From “Dawson’s Creek” to New Stages in TV and Beyond
In addition to Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek has starred in various film and TV roles, including Varsity Blues, CSI: Cyber, Pose, and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, where he played a fictional version of himself. He also competed on “Dancing with the Stars” Season 28 with partner Emma Slater, reaching the semifinals.
Most recently, Van Der Beek was revealed as The Griffin on “The Masked Singer” Season 13, where he performed “Rewrite the Stars,” “Disturbia,” and “Something in the Water” before being unmasked in Episode 6.
Van Der Beek Reflects on Health, Family, and His Life Today
Beyond reflecting on his castmates, Van Der Beek gave a personal update about his recent health journey. In November 2024, he revealed he had been privately battling stage 3 colorectal cancer.
In a more recent interview with EXTRA, he shared that he’s currently in recovery and preparing to return to work. “I’m in a healing phase, which is great. I’m going back to work next month. I’m taking this month really to just kind of relax,” he told EXTRA.
He also shared that his wife and six children were a vital source of support through treatment. Van Der Beek continues to share glimpses of family life on social media, often posting about parenting and life in Texas.
Now in recovery, reconnecting with old friends, and returning to work, Van Der Beek appears focused on embracing the next chapter of both his personal and professional life.
