James Van Der Beek's gaunt appearance during the Dawson's Creek reunion was due to a stomach virus - and not related to his cancer battle

James - who played Dawson Leery on the show - could not join the rest of his castmates because he was struck with a stomach virus.

And the star - who apologized for not being able to attend the reunion in person - has now revealed that "a lot of folks were worried" about his health when the video aired in the venue.

Appearing on NBC's Today show on Friday (12.19.25), James explained to 46-year-old anchor Craig Melvin: "I'd lost so much weight because of the stomach virus, yeah.

"No, it was not cancer-related. Although with cancer, everything's like, 'Why don't we super size that stomach virus?' "

As James could not make it, his wife, Kimberly, 43, and their six children attended the event - which saw cast members Michelle Williams, 45, Katie Holmes, 47, and Joshua Jackson, 47, reunite for a live reading of the pilot episode.

James said: "As crushed as I was not being able to go to that Dawson's Creek reunion, my family got to go. And I was Zooming in on that night, and they got a standing ovation just for taking their seats.

And all that love that would have otherwise been directed at me was directed at my family. It was just one of the most beautiful moments I've ever gotten to witness. I'm just so grateful to the fans for doing that."

Last month, it was revealed that James was auctioning off Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues props to alleviate the cost of his health struggles.

James - who, in November 2024, revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer after privately undergoing treatment following a 2023 diagnosis - told PEOPLE magazine: "I've been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it's clear that the time is now.

"While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore's auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years."

The items from James' personal collection - which were available through Propstore's Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction from December 5 to December 7 - included wardrobe, props and set pieces.

One piece was the necklace Dawson gave Joey for prom in Dawson's Creek, which was estimated to fetch between $26,400 and $52,800.

James' costume he wore for the pilot episode of Dawson's Creek - which ran from 1998 to 2003 - was estimated to go for almost $4,000.

There were also items from the 1999 movie Varsity Blues, including his film-worn West Canaan Coyotes Hat and cleats.