James Van Der Beek Was the ‘Soul’ of ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ Says Show Creator Kevin Williamson: ‘He Handled His Cancer With Such Grace and Courage’

Oct 4, 2026 9:07am PT James Van Der Beek Was the ‘Soul’ of ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ Says Show Creator Kevin Williamson: ‘He Handled His Cancer With Such Grace and Courage’

By Marc Malkin

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Marc Malkin

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“Dawson’s Creek” creator Kevin Williamson remembered the show’s late star Jame Van Der Beek on Saturday night while being honored with a Hero Award at the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala, Greg Berlanti’s annual F Cancer benefit.

Williams explained that the show, about a small-town high school student dreaming of becoming a Hollywood director, was inspired by his own life.

“So when I was casting the role, I was basically looking for me, but I was looking for the good-looking, handsome, camera-ready, great jawline version of myself, someone people would actually want to see,” Williamson said, adding, “He became that person. James Van Der Beek gave voice to my childhood. He was the soul of the show. He was the ultimate upgrade.”

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