James Van Der Beek is to sell memorabilia from his acting career, including items from Dawson's Creek, to help cover the cost of his treatment for colorectal cancer. The 48-year-old actor, who revealed his diagnosis last year, said he had been storing the items for years and that recent events had made it clear the time to part with them had come.
The collection, which will be offered at Propstore's annual Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction from 5 to 7 December, includes an outfit worn in the Dawson's Creek pilot and a hat that appeared in the 1999 film Varsity Blues. It is the second time Van Der Beek has sold memorabilia since going public with his illness.
Van Der Beek, who rose to fame playing the lead role in Dawson's Creek, said at the time of his diagnosis that he had reason to be optimistic and continued working. His recent projects include the film Sidelined: The QB and Me and an episode of the Walker reboot.
The actor also took part in The Real Full Monty, a television special in support of cancer research and awareness, which featured male celebrities performing strip teases. His need to sell possessions has highlighted the high cost of cancer treatment in the United States, where the National Cancer Institute estimated national costs of roughly $209bn in 2020 and AARP put average patient costs at $150,000.
Van Der Beek said that while he felt some nostalgia, it was good to offer the items to supporters through the auction. The sale includes treasures from other beloved films and shows, though specific items beyond the pilot outfit and Varsity Blues hat have not been detailed.
