Actor James Van Der Beek has decided to part with a collection of keepsakes from some of his most memorable roles in order to help cover the rising costs of medical care as he continues his battle with advanced colorectal cancer, according to sources close to the star.
"Ive held onto these items for a long time, always thinking there would be a meaningful moment to let them go and after everything life has brought my way recently, I realized that moment has arrived," the 48-year-old actor shared in an interview.
Van Der Beek publicly revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023, explaining that he had kept the news private for some time before choosing to open up. He said the process of sharing has helped him emotionally and mentally.
Among the memorabilia he is selling are several pieces connected to the hit TV series Dawsons Creek, including the necklace his character gave to Joey Potter before prom, the white ensemble from the shows pilot episode, and the recognizable flannel shirt worn throughout the series, which aired between 1998 and 2003.
Also included in the sale are items from the 1999 cult classic Varsity Blues, such as the black-and-white Reebok cleats and the West Canaan Coyotes baseball cap worn by his character, the determined high school quarterback Jonathan "Mox" Moxon.
It has been reported that every dollar raised from the auction will go directly toward covering his ongoing medical expenses.
The actor now resides on a ranch in Texas with his wife Kimberly, 43, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwen, and Jeremiah. The family relocated from California in 2020 in search of a quieter lifestyle.
Recently, Van Der Beek was unable to attend a live reunion event in New York City alongside his former Dawsons Creek cast members due to illness following two severe stomach viruses. The reunion featured a live reading of the first episode, with Lin-Manuel Miranda stepping in at the last minute to read his part.
In a pre-recorded message shown during the event, the actor expressed his disappointment at missing the long-anticipated night, saying he had been looking forward to it for many months.
