James Van Der Beek – the face behind iconic roles in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" – is opening up a treasure chest of memories. The actor, facing financial pressures due to his ongoing cancer battle, has decided to auction off some of his most cherished memorabilia.
The 48-year-old actor, in partnership with Propstore, will host a live auction from December 5 to December 7. Fans can bid on pieces from his renowned roles, giving them a chance to own a slice of television history. In his words, “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.”
Among the items up for auction are some true gems for "Dawson's Creek" devotees – like the necklace Dawson gifted Joey for prom, expected to fetch between $26,400 and $52,800, and his outfit from the pilot episode, which might go for $4,000. For "Varsity Blues" enthusiasts, Van Der Beek's cleats and West Caana Coyotes hat are also on the block.
Despite the nostalgia, Van Der Beek finds solace in sharing these items with fans. "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," he shared.
Van Der Beek, who shares six children with his wife Kimberly, revealed in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He has chosen to speak publicly about his journey, hoping to raise awareness. "I've been dealing with this pretty much in secret for a while, and in the past, I've found it helpful and cathartic to share things publicly," he told People.
This auction is not just a fundraiser; it's a testament to Van Der Beek's resilience and his journey towards mastering mind, body, and spirit. As he navigates these challenges, he reflects on his experience, saying, "This has been a crash course in the mastery of mind, body, and spirit. I thought, 'This is either going to take me out of the body, or it’s going to teach me how to truly live in it.'"