James Van Der Beek, the actor who shot to fame as Dawson Leery on the beloved late‑1990s/early‑2000s TV series Dawson’s Creek, has announced an emotional decision to part with significant pieces of his screen‑career memorabilia in order to raise funds for his ongoing battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
In partnership with the entertainment memorabilia house Propstore, Van Der Beek is putting up items from his personal collection in their Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, scheduled for December 5 through 7, 2025. Among the items set to be offered: the necklace Dawson gifted Joey at prom, career wardrobe pieces including his flannel‑shirt outfit from the Dawson’s Creek pilot, and additional relics from his time on the football‑drama film Varsity Blues. These items carry nostalgic significance to fans of the projects.
Van Der Beek says he’s been storing these keepsakes for years, but after his cancer diagnosis last year things shifted. He noted that while parting with these treasures brings a wave of nostalgia, he also sees it as an opportunity to give back to those who supported his career — and to help himself at a vulnerable time. He emphasized that 100 % of the proceeds from the sale will go toward his cancer treatment.
This move from Van Der Beek puts a human face on the stark reality of modern medical costs — even actors who’ve enjoyed public success can face daunting financial burdens when serious illnesses hit. While he continues to act and remain present for his family, this auction serves as both a fundraiser and a testament to resilience.
For fans of Dawson’s Creek, the auction offers a rare chance to own pieces of a show that defined a generation of teen drama. For Van Der Beek, it’s a hard but hopeful next step in a deeply personal journey.