James Van Der Beek is putting a number of his cherished Dawson’s Creek keepsakes on auction to help pay for his ‘expensive’ cancer treatments.
The actor, 48, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year, famously played Dawson Leery on the beloved teen drama, that aired from 1998 to 2003.
Van Der Beek admitted he’s feeling nostalgic about parting with the items, but added that with the recent ‘unexpected twists and turns’ in his life it’s the right time to do so.
Among the pieces fans will have a chance to own is the outfit he wore in the pilot episode, which is expected to sell for up to $4,000 according to People.
Also up for grabs will be the necklace Dawson gifted Joey Potter (played by Katie Holmes) for prom, which is estimated to sell for anywhere between $26,400 to $52,800.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Van Der Beek’s representative for comment.
James Van Der Beek, 48, is putting a number of his cherished Dawson’s Creek keepsakes on auction to help pay for his ‘expensive’ cancer treatments
Among the pieces the fans will have a chance to own is the outfit he wore in the pilot episode, which is expected to sell for up to $4,000 according to People; Seen in a still
He has teamed up with Propstore to sell items from his personal collection during their Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, which will be held Decemeber 5–7.
‘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,’ the father-of-six shared.
‘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.’
The actor will sell wardrobe, props, and set pieces that highlight key moments from his career.
All proceeds will go to Van Der Beek to help cover the expenses of his cancer treatment.
Also up for sale are his cleats and his West Caana Coyotes Hat from his classic 1999 film Varsity Blues.
Interested bidders can register now, with live in-room bidding in London on December 6 and online bidding open globally until December 7, 2025.
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined.
154,270 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2025, and 52,900 will die from the disease, according to estimates by The American Cancer Society.
Last year, the actor also sold merchandise Varsity Blues to help pay for his cancer treatments – and those of other patients.
Also up for grabs will be the necklace Dawson gifted Joey Potter (played by Katie Holmes ) for prom, which is estimated to sell for anywhere between $26,400 to $52,800; Seen with Katie in a still
He famously played Dawson Leery on the beloved teen drama, that aired from 1998 to 2003; Michelle Williams, Van Der Beek, Holmes, and Joshua Jackson seen in a still
The actor, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year, recently missed out on a Dawson’s Creek reunion, but surprised fans with a pre-recorded virtual appearance
His wife Kimberly and their six kids attended the event in support. Two of their kids even took the stage to sing the show’s iconic theme song, ‘I Don’t Wanna Wait’ by Paula Cole
The coming-of-age drama, which was about high school football, starred James amid a cast that included Jon Voight, Paul Walker and Scott Caan.
He revealed he was partly covering the costs of his treatment by selling signed Varsity Blues jerseys during the movie’s 25th anniversary year.
In an added flourish of fan service, the shirts have been made to look like the jersey worn by James’ own character in the film, Jonathan ‘Mox’ Moxon.
He noted on his Instagram page: ‘100% of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own).’
In his hashtags he added: ‘cancerisexpensive’.
Van Der Beek recently missed out on a Dawson’s Creek reunion, as all the cast got together for the first time in 22 years.
The actor dropped out of the event just hours prior due to illness. Instead, he surprised fans with a pre-recorded virtual appearance.
‘I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,’ Van Der Beek shared in the video.
Last year, he sold merchandise Varsity Blues to help pay for his cancer treatments – and those of other patients
‘I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person.’
‘And just I want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you – you are the best fans in the world.’
Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly and their six kids also attended the event in support.
The couple share daughters Olivia, 14, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, and Gwendolyn, 6, and sons Joshua, 12, and Jeremiah, 3.
Dawson’s Creek garnered a number of accolades during its time on the air, such as a Teen Choice Award in 2000 for TV – Choice Drama.
Holmes portrayed Dawson’s childhood love, Joey, while Joshua Jackson played their other friend and Joey’s true love, Pacey. Michelle Williams completed the core group as the rebellious Jen Lindley.
The show followed the group from high school through college in the sleepy town of Capeside.
Last year in November, Van Der Beek revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Van Der Beek revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis last year in November; Pictured May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles
At the time, the star said that he had been ‘privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it with the support’ from his loved ones.
‘I have colorectal cancer. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,’ he told People.
A few months earlier in July, the star gave an update amid his cancer battle during an interview on Today.
He explained that he has made major lifestyle changes such as focusing on a healthier diet and doing yoga.
‘The beauty of just taking things a little bit more slowly and prioritizing rest and really allowing that to be the job, I’m just on the journey.’
The Hollywood actor added, ‘It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.’
