In a poignant move to manage the expenses of his health battle, actor James Van Der Beek has announced he will auction cherished memorabilia from his career, including iconic items from the beloved Nineties series Dawson's Creek.
A Personal Sale for a Vital Cause
The 48-year-old star is parting with personal treasures, such as the flannel shirts he wore while playing Dawson Leery, to alleviate the financial cost of fighting cancer. The auction will also feature wardrobe pieces from his 1999 film, Varsity Blues.
Van Der Beek explained his decision, stating, "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." All proceeds from the sale will directly support his medical costs, according to a report from People Magazine.
Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis
The actor publicly revealed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024. This type of cancer begins in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the body's digestive system. Despite the challenges, Van Der Beek shared earlier this year that he was "feeling great," but acknowledged the immense struggle, calling cancer a "full-time job" filled with unknowns.
His health journey recently forced him to miss a significant event: a live reading of the Dawson's Creek pilot episode in September. The reunion was designed to raise money for cancer charities and featured original cast members like Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson.
Although he could not attend in person due to a stomach illness, Van Der Beek sent a heartfelt video message. "Despite every effort... I won't get to be there," he lamented. "I won't get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theatre for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most." His wife, Kimberly, and their six children were present at the event.
How to Participate in the Memorabilia Auction
For fans and collectors interested in owning a piece of television history, the auction will be conducted by Propstore's Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction.
Key details for the auction are:
- Registration for bidding is open now.
- Live in-room bidding will take place in London on 6 December.
- Global online bidding will run from 7 December.
This sale offers a unique opportunity to acquire items from a defining era of teen drama while supporting the actor during his ongoing treatment.
