Dawson’s Creek Family Remembers James Van Der Beek at Greg Berlanti’s Heroes Gala

Joshua Jackson and Julie Plec presented creator Kevin Williamson with the Barbara Berlanti Hero Award, honoring his work supporting Van Der Beek.

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The Lowdown

Williamson calling Van Der Beek “the soul of the show” says it all. The Dawson’s Creek family has handled this loss with real grace.

Key Takeaways

  • Kevin Williamson received the Barbara Berlanti Hero Award at the Heroes Gala in Santa Monica on October 3 (Deadline).
  • The award recognized his role in organizing the Dawson’s Creek table read held to support Van Der Beek after his colon cancer diagnosis (Deadline).
  • Van Der Beek died in February at 48 (Deadline).

The Story

Jackson and Julie Plec presented the award and both choked up discussing Van Der Beek. Jackson said Williamson opened “his heart” and “his wallet” so Van Der Beek’s children could see the love for their dad (Deadline).

“James Van Der Beek gave voice to my childhood, he was the soul of the show,” Williamson said, adding a joke about Van Der Beek mumbling his lines early in the run (Deadline).

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mom, also attended. The gala raises money for F Cancer’s early detection and prevention work (Deadline).