Actor James Van Der Beek is auctioning off props and wardrobe from Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues to help cover his stage 3 colorectal cancer treatment expenses. The items will be sold through Propstore's Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction from December 5 to 7, with all proceeds benefiting his medical fees. Van Der Beek, diagnosed last November, shared that the timing feels right amid recent life challenges.
Background on Diagnosis
James Van Der Beek revealed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024 during an interview with People. "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 said. "There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good." Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., affecting about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women, with treatment costs exceeding $24.3 billion annually according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Auction Details
Teaming up with Propstore, the 48-year-old actor is parting with memorabilia stored for years. Key items include the prom necklace Dawson (Van Der Beek) gave to Joey (Katie Holmes) in Dawson's Creek, estimated at $26,400 to $52,800; his outfit from the 1998 Dawson's Creek pilot, expected to fetch around $4,000; and the West Canaan Coyotes hat and cleats from his 1999 film Varsity Blues.
Van Der Beek expressed mixed emotions: “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.”
Previously, in December 2024, he sold limited-edition autographed Varsity Blues merchandise, and his Dawson's Creek co-stars reunited for a table read of the pilot to benefit F Cancer.