Actor James Van Der Beek, beloved for his role in the late-’90s classic Dawson’s Creek, is facing a new kind of spotlight — one defined by courage rather than fame. After being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at 46, the now 48-year-old star is parting with treasured memorabilia from his decades-long career to help fund his ongoing treatments.
Partnering with Propstore, Van Der Beek will auction wardrobe pieces, props, and set items during the Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction from December 5–7, 2025. Among the prized items are Joey’s necklace from Dawson’s Creek, valued up to $52,800, and the outfit he wore in the show’s pilot episode. Fans of Varsity Blues can also bid on his cleats and West Canaan Coyotes hat, surfacing publicly for the first time since filming.
Van Der Beek, who lives with his wife Kimberly and their six children on a ranch in Texas, has approached his diagnosis with honesty and faith. Initially choosing privacy, he later opened up to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and to share how the experience reshaped his outlook on life, identity, and spirituality.
In a March 2025 reflection, he described confronting mortality as a process of stripping away titles like father, husband, and provider until only one truth remained — the feeling of being worthy of God’s love. Despite physical challenges, he’s remained deeply connected to his family, posting heartfelt tributes and maintaining his humor, even joking about Lin-Manuel Miranda filling in for him during a reunion he couldn’t attend.
Now, as he lets go of the items that once defined his Hollywood fame, James Van Der Beek isn’t saying goodbye — he’s saying thank you. Each piece sold represents not loss, but gratitude, grace, and the quiet strength of a man redefining legacy through love and faith.
