James Van Der Beek Forced to Auction Off Dawson’s Creek Keepsakes Amid Colon Cancer Treatments
Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for playing the heartthrob Dawson Leery in the beloved 1990s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has revealed that he is parting with some of his most treasured memorabilia to help pay for ongoing colon cancer treatments. The 48-year-old actor, who recently disclosed his stage-3 colorectal cancer diagnosis, shared the emotional news in an Instagram video that quickly drew an outpouring of love and support from fans around the world.
In the heartfelt post, Van Der Beek explained that medical bills and experimental treatment costs have taken a heavy financial toll on his family. “This isn’t an easy decision,” he said, “but it’s one I have to make. These items represent a time in my life that changed everything — and right now, I need to focus on staying alive and being here for my wife and kids.”
Among the items going up for auction are some of the actor’s most iconic keepsakes from Dawson’s Creek, which aired on The WB from 1998 to 2003. They include Dawson’s signature flannel shirts, a framed script from the pilot episode signed by the cast, and Polaroid photos from behind the scenes featuring co-stars Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. Also included are pieces from his 1999 football drama Varsity Blues and personal memorabilia from later projects such as Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23 and Pose.
According to People magazine, the items will be sold through Julien’s Auctions later this month, with proceeds going toward Van Der Beek’s ongoing medical treatments and to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, a charity he says helped him during his diagnosis. “I want some good to come from this,” he said. “If even one person watching this decides to get screened earlier, then it’s worth it.”
The actor has been candid about his health journey since revealing his diagnosis earlier this year. He shared that the cancer was discovered following months of unexplained pain and fatigue, leading to emergency surgery in the spring. Van Der Beek described the experience as “humbling” and “terrifying,” but credited his wife Kimberly and their six children for giving him strength. “They’re my reason for fighting,” he said.
Fans and former co-stars have rallied behind him. Katie Holmes commented on social media, calling him “a light and inspiration to everyone who knows him,” while Joshua Jackson reposted Van Der Beek’s message with a heartfelt note urging people to “take care of your health and support those who need it.”
Despite the emotional toll, Van Der Beek says he remains hopeful. “Letting go of these keepsakes isn’t about losing my past — it’s about investing in my future,” he said. “I’m grateful for every memory, every role, and every person who’s stood by me through this.”
The auction is expected to begin later this month, with both fans and collectors already expressing interest. For Van Der Beek, the sale is more than a transaction — it’s a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the will to fight for tomorrow.
