The memory of James Van Der Beek dominated a particularly emotional moment at the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala, the charity event organized by television producer Greg Berlanti in memory of his mother Barbara, who died of cancer. The evening, which raises funds for F Cancer initiatives dedicated to early diagnosis, prevention, and psychosocial support, took on an even more personal significance this year for the Dawson’s Creek family. The creator of the series Kevin Williamson, who during the evening received the Barbara Berlanti Hero Award, spoke with emotion about the series’ star, who passed away at 48 last February after battling the disease.
Kevin Williamson e James Van Der Beek: Il legame tra Dawson e il suo autore
Williamson received the award from the hands of actor Joshua Jackson and producer Julie Plec, both tied to the history of Dawson’s Creek. The screenwriter spoke about James Van Der Beek and his Dawson Leery, a character partly inspired by his own coming‑of‑age experience. In recalling the actor, he described how Dawson had become something far bigger than the character initially imagined. “James Van Der Beek gave voice to my childhood,” the creator said, calling him “the soul of the series” and, with a fond note, “the best version of myself.”
Kevin Williamson remembered his late mom last night as well as James Van Der Beek, why he cast him in “Dawson’s Creek,” what their relationship was like and more.
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The relationship between Williamson and Van Der Beek, however, extended beyond work. The creator of Dawson’s Creek recalled watching James grow over the years, from a young actor to becoming “a husband, a father and a friend.” A personal journey that Williamson watched closely and that made his passing all the more painful. With a smile, Williamson also remembered the beginnings of their collaboration and the debates that arose as they faced the scripts. Van Der Beek, still young, used to call him to ask why he should pronounce certain words or expressions. Williamson’s ironic reply was that he shouldn’t worry too much: given the way he spoke, no one would hear those words anyway. “That was our relationship: Dawson talking with Dawson,” he recounted.
Il ricordo della reunion benefica del cast di Dawson’s Creek
The death of Van Der Beek, Williamson explained, struck him deeply. Particularly intense was the memory of the charity reading of Dawson’s Creek organized in September 2025 in New York to support the actor after his colon cancer diagnosis. Williamson called it “probably one of the most special evenings of my life.” Van Der Beek was meant to be present at that event, but his health prevented him from traveling. The hope, he said, lingered until the last moment, before doctors stopped him from boarding the plane. Despite his physical absence, however, the actor was at the center of the evening and of all his colleagues’ thoughts.
Also Joshua Jackson recalled those days with emotion. According to Jackson, Williamson had dedicated himself personally to ensuring everything was organized in the best possible way and so that Van Der Beek’s family could experience the night surrounded by the affection of people who had loved and known James. “I believe he is here with us this evening,” Williamson said during his speech. “He will be with us forever.” The recognition, he added, could not be accepted solely in his name: he did it in memory of Greg Berlanti’s mother, of James Van Der Beek and of the entire Dawson’s Creek family. Also at the event, Mary-Margaret Humes, the actress who played Dawson’s mother in the series, attended the red carpet alongside Joshua Jackson.
Gli altri riconoscimenti della serata: premiata anche Katherine LaNasa
The gala also honored other figures who played important roles in telling the story of illness and resilience. Among them is Katherine LaNasa, an actress from The Pitt, who received the Inspirational Hero Award. Presenting her with the award was R. Scott Gemmill, creator and executive producer of the series. Gemmill spoke of the strength demonstrated by LaNasa after the breast cancer diagnosis she received in early 2023, underscoring how her personal experience also contributed to the way the actress faced the role of nurse Dana Evans in The Pitt.
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