Another beloved face from the "Dawson's Creek" family is sharing her deeply personal health journey. Actress Mary-Margaret Humes, who played James Van Der Beek's mom on the hit series, revealed in a September 16 interview with Us Weekly that she quietly battled colon cancer back in 2007.
"It was just about ready to break out of the wall," Humes recalled. "It could've been a terrible situation, but we caught it in time. My doctor said we dodged a bullet, and it was all because of early detection. Cancers are survivable, but go out and get screened -- thankfully, that's part of James' journey."
Humes, who played James Van Der Beek's on-screen mom Gail Leery on "Dawson's Creek," said their shared health battles have created an even deeper bond.
She recalled the emotional phone call she received after Van Der Beek revealed his own colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023.
"Since [then], we've had multiple conversations that are very uplifting and spiritual. He knows I've got his back 100 percent. He's going to get through this, and we're all coming together," she said.
Van Der Beek announced in November 2023 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer after privately battling the illness for months.
"I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family," he told People. "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good."
While Humes did not share further details about her recovery, she is believed to be cancer-free today. She will join Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, and the rest of the cast for a special "Dawson's Creek" reunion on September 22.
The event will honor Van Der Beek at an F Cancer benefit, uniting the beloved cast and fans to raise awareness while celebrating the show's lasting legacy of family and connection.
James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, and Mary-Margaret Humes will all be part of the live reading. Fans will also see John Wesley Shipp as Mitch Leery and Nina Repeta as Bessie Porter. Busy Philipps, Kerr Smith, and Meredith Monroe -- who weren't in the pilot -- will step in to read additional roles.