Inside James Van Der Beek’s surprise 'Dawson’s Creek' reunion appearance after canceling

James Van Der Beek surprised fans with a video appearance at the “Dawson’s Creek” charity reunion Monday night, after having to previously drop out due to illness.

During the event, held at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City to benefit the F Cancer charity, the clip played for fans as an introduction to his replacement for the night, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

"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 said, per People Magazine. "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 continued, "And just I want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who's doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you – you are the best fans in the world."

"Thank you for coming. It's just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every single person here," he said.

Van Der Beek added, "And, obviously, on ‘Dawson's Creek,’ I had no understudy, but this is Broadway, and I needed one. So we figured we'd try to find somebody who had never understudied in this theater before,” referring to his replacement, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who he joked his kids “would consider an upgrade.”

The actor, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year, announced to fans yesterday on social media he was unable to attend due to "two stomach viruses."

But the 48-year-old’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children, did attend the event and joined the cast in singing the show’s theme song, “I Don’t Want to Wait” by Paula Cole.

On her Instagram stories, Kimberly called the night “such a gift” and thanked the cast and crew for being “beyond words” in their support.

“Last night was so special to the whole family,” she said. “And more importantly, just feeling my husband fill the entire theater and the love for himthank you for the love and support and the prayers.”

“It was a beautiful night and I miss my husband,” she added.