(NewsNation) — Actor James Van Der Beek surprised fans with a virtual appearance at the "Dawson’s Creek" charity reunion on Monday in New York City, after dropping out due to illness.

Though unable to attend the Richard Rodgers Theatre event in person, the 48-year-old appeared via a pre-recorded video. He thanked fans for their support and introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda as his understudy, joking that his kids would see Miranda as “an upgrade.”

“I’ve been looking forward to this night for months,” Van Der Beek said in the video, which fans posted on social media. “I can’t believe I'm not there. I can't believe I don't get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person."

He added, "Thank you to every single last one of you — you are the best fans in the world.”

The actor revealed on In

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