Entertainment
James Van Der Beek Auctioning Off Dawson’s Creek Items Amid Cancer Journey
James Van Der Beek is parting with some Dawson’s Creek treasures amid his health battle.
The 48-year-old, who has been battling stage 3 colon cancer for more than two years, is offering up several items from his personal collection in Propstore’s Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction that is set to take place in December.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them,” James said in a statement posted on the U.K. company’s website, “and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now.”
“And while I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items,” he continued, “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.”
According to People, proceeds will go to the actor to help fund his battle against cancer.
Among the items offered: a stuffed E.T. toy and an Indiana Jones figurine that served as set decorations in the bedroom of Van Der Beek’s Dawson’s Creek character Dawson Leery—a major Steven Spielberg fan. The items are expected to fetch between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds ($1,300 and $2,600).
Propstore
Also included in the auction: Several of Dawson’s clothes and accessories, including a white cotton blend Arcadia sweater, as well as a necklace with a black stone pendant that Van Der Beek’s character wore until he gifted it to Joey Potter (Katie Holmes). The jewelry piece is expected to sell between 20,000 and 40,000 pounds ($26,200 to $52,400).
Propstore
Dawson’s Creek memorabilia is not the only type of merchandise Van Der Beek has included in the auction. He is also selling a West Canaan Coyotes hat and a pair of black and white Reebok cleats that he wore in the 1999 movie Varsity Blues.
Propstore
Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with cancer in August 2023, has shared several updates about his health journey since going public with his battle in November 2024. In October, he celebrated Halloween with his and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and their kids Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4, as well as his youngest son’s birthday.
Instagram / James Van Der Beek
In September, Van Der Beek made a remote appearance at Dawson’s Creek‘s cast reunion at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City in September. He had initially been scheduled to join his fellow alumni in person but had to cancel after contracting two stomach viruses.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he shared in a pre-recorded video that was played at the event. “I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast, in person. I wanted to stand on this stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight.”
Meanwhile, his wife and their kids attended the reunion, which was also a fundraiser for the organization F Cancer.
“This night was so special to the whole family,” Kimberly said in a Sept. 22 Instagram Story. “And more importantly, feeling my husband fill the entire theater, and the love for him.”
As Van Der Beek continues his fight, read on to learn more about stars’ past cancer journeys…
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