CNN —

James Van Der Beek couldn't appear in person Monday for a reading of "Dawson's Creek" pilot at New York City's Richard Rodgers Theatre, but he still surprised the audience with a virtual appearance.

The event was a fundraiser for the nonprofit F Cancer and Van Der Beek, who played Dawson Leery on the hit teen drama which ran from 1998 to 2003.

Van Der Beek announced in November 2024 that he is living with stage 3 with colorectal cancer . He was unable to attend Monday's event in person due to stomach viruses.

"I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together," Van Der Beek told those assembled as seen in a video shared on social media by the podcast "Back To You, Bob!" "I can't believe I'm

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