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James Van Der Beek is best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek. And he’s now putting some of his personal belongings and iconic career memorabilia up for auction. The collection includes wardrobe pieces and props from his time on Dawson’s Creek as well as other notable projects, giving fans a chance to own a piece of television history. This move comes amid Van Der Beek’s ongoing efforts to support personal causes and share his journey with fans. So, what prompted the auction? Here’s what to know.

James Van Der Beek is auctioning ‘Dawson’s Creek’ memorabilia to pay for his cancer treatment

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James Van Der Beek of Dawson’s Creek fame is auctioning off items that fans will love to own.

In partnership with Propstore, Van Der Beek is offering several standout pieces for sale at the “Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction.” The event goes from Dec. 5-7, 2025. Van Der Beek hopes to use the proceeds from the auction to assist in paying for his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Among the lots: the iconic necklace his character Dawson Leery gifted Joey Potter on Dawson’s Creek, estimated between $26,400 and $52,800, according to People. Also up: Dawson’s outfit from the pilot episode, expected to fetch up to around $4,000. From his film Varsity Blues comes the West Canaan Coyotes hat and his personal Reebok cleats, widening the appeal beyond TV fans.

“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,” Van Der Beek shared. “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.”

James Van Der Beek said he had ‘no idea’ that he had stage 3 colorectal cancer

James Van Der Beek told Healthline that he didn’t experience “any red flags” before his colon cancer diagnosis. However, after minor changes in his bowel movements and a colonoscopy, he had a cancer diagnosis.

While speaking to the publication, he noted that he was “healthy” and “in amazing cardiovascular shape” at the time.

Van Der Beek received his diagnosis before the age of 50, meaning he has early-onset colorectal cancer.

“I really want people to understand that [when found] in the early stages, the survival rates skyrocket,” he said. “Before my diagnosis, I didn’t know much about colorectal cancer. I didn’t even realize the screening age dropped to 45; I thought it was still 50. Just put [screening] on your radar, even if you’re young, even if you’re healthy, because, unfortunately, cases are rising, especially in younger, healthier people.”

The ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star previously had to drop out of a charity event due to his illness

People reported that James Van Der Beek had to drop out of a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event on Sept. 22, 2025, due to illness. However, he still found a way to thank his fans. Van Der Beek appeared virtually at the event in a prerecorded video.

“I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” Van Der Beek said in the clip. “I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast, in person.”

He then thanked “every single person” for attending the event.

“Thank you for coming,” he continued. “It’s just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every single person here.”

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