James Van Der Beek, the beloved actor known for his role in the iconic teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” is parting ways with cherished memorabilia from the series to assist with his cancer treatments. At 48, Van Der Beek was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer last year, which has profoundly impacted his life.
Teaming up with Propstore, Van Der Beek is offering fans an opportunity to purchase items from his career during the Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction scheduled from December 5 to December 7. All proceeds from the auction will directly benefit Van Der Beek, providing crucial financial support as he continues his battle against cancer.
Among the items on the auction block are significant pieces from “Dawson’s Creek,” including the necklace his character, Dawson, presented to Joey, played by Katie Holmes, for prom. This piece is estimated to fetch between $26,400 and $52,800. Additionally, Van Der Beek will part with his outfit from the pilot episode, which has an estimated value of around $4,000, along with his cleats and a West Caana Coyotes Hat from his 1999 film “Varsity Blues.”
Reflecting on the necessity of selling these memorable items, Van Der Beek stated, “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.” He expressed a bittersweet nostalgia but also a sense of comfort in sharing these tokens with those who have supported him throughout his career.
Van Der Beek, who starred in “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2003 alongside stars like Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson, recently missed a reunion event due to health issues. The cast gathered at Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City for a live table reading of the show’s pilot episode, which aimed to benefit both the F Cancer charity and Van Der Beek himself. Although unable to attend, he recorded a video message for attendees while his wife and children participated and sang the show’s theme song.
Since his diagnosis was made public in November, Van Der Beek has been candid about his struggles with cancer, describing it as a “full-time job” and acknowledging the ongoing nature of his battle. He has also prioritized transparency with his six children, ensuring they understand his health journey. “They know. They can sense that Dad’s having a tough day. They know if Dad’s in pain,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of honesty during challenging times.
As he navigates this difficult chapter, Van Der Beek’s resilience shines through, and through his auction, he not only provides for his family but also connects with fans who cherish his contributions to television and film.