Dawson’s Creek creator pays tribute to James Van Der Beek

Williamson said Van Der Beek had given voice to his youth by playing Dawson Leery, a character based on Williamson’s own early life. He recalled knowing the actor for many years and watching him become a husband, father and friend. [1]

The award also recognised Williamson’s role in arranging a public Dawson’s Creek script reading the previous year to support Van Der Beek. Cast members read from a script for an audience, but Van Der Beek was absent. Williamson said the actor had planned to attend and that they had hoped until the last moment he could be there, but doctors had not allowed him to fly. [1]