After a Cancer Diagnosis, Famous American Actor Is Now Selling His Belongings at Auction

A beloved star from the late '90s television is parting with cherished memorabilia as he navigates a challenging cancer diagnosis. After being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 46, he is now auctioning some of his most iconic career pieces to help manage treatment expenses.

Partnering with Propstore, the actor is offering wardrobe items, props, and set pieces that chronicle his decades in the spotlight. The Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction will take place from December 5 to 7, 2025.

Among the standout items are the necklace gifted to Joey in "Dawson’s Creek," expected to sell for between $26,400 and $52,800, and the original outfit from the series pilot, estimated at nearly $4,000.

Fans of "Varsity Blues" can also bid on his cleats and the West Canaan Coyotes hat, being offered publicly for the first time after years in storage. The actor, identified as James Van Der Beek, told People, "And with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it's clear that the time is now."

At 48, James Van Der Beek lives with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children on a quiet Texas ranch, facing his diagnosis with honesty, courage, and grace — a reflection of the grounded life he has built beyond Hollywood.

When he went public in 2024, he shared that he had no family history of cancer and had long prioritized health through fitness and nutrition. Initially, he chose to face it privately, but opening up became a turning point — easing a personal burden while raising awareness about colorectal cancer's impact.

His reflections since have taken on a spiritual tone. In a March 2025 video, he spoke about confronting mortality and how it stripped away titles like husband, father, and provider, leaving only one truth: the feeling of being worthy of God's love.

His focus has never strayed far from his children. In an emotional birthday tribute to his youngest son posted in October 2025, he wrote, "I'm sorry there have been spells where I couldn’t be the father I would want to be for you… where I was too weak to pick you up […] but know that watching you reveal yourself to us has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Even in moments when his health kept him from being present — including a "Dawson's Creek" reunion hosted by Michelle Williams in September 2025 — Van Der Beek managed to keep his humor intact, joking that Lin-Manuel Miranda would be filling in for him.

"Everyone please enjoy all the love in that room. Shine some on my family. I will be beaming and receiving from afar in a bed in Austin. And thank you @lin_manuel. You were a hero to my kids before… now you’re a demigod [sic]😇," he added.

The decision to let go of the items that once defined his stardom isn't about loss; it's about moving forward. It's about clearing space for what truly matters now: family, faith, and a future built on gratitude. With every item sold, he offers fans not just a piece of his legacy — but a glimpse of the grace, vulnerability, and strength that have carried him through the most trying chapter of his life. Here's a look at Van Der Beek through the years:

Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson sit closely on a wooden dock beside calm water, bathed in warm, soft light. The scene captures a relaxed, summery moment against a peaceful outdoor backdrop.

James Van Der Beek dressed in a dark suit and silver tie stands outdoors at the 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. He looks directly at the camera with a composed expression as people mingle behind him.

James Van Der Beek in a dark suit and silver tie stands on a red carpet with his hands in his pockets. He faces the camera with a composed expression as attendees move around behind him. Bright sunlight and a busy crowd set the scene at the outdoor event.

Walking through an airport with a relaxed smile and one hand resting on his head, James Van Der Beek wears a leather jacket, loose jeans, and carries a shoulder bag. He holds travel documents as the busy terminal around him highlights a casual moment.

James Van Der Beek stands amid the premiere crowd, holding a ticket as soft lights illuminate the scene around him. His dark shirt and simple necklace give him a relaxed, understated style against the lively backdrop.

James Van Der Beek steps into the spotlight with effortless '90s cool, his tousled hair catching the evening light. In a fitted charcoal sweater and relaxed confidence, he looks every bit the teen-idol heartthrob fans knew so well.

James Van Der Beek stands in a sharp black tuxedo and bow tie. Beside him, his date glows in a strapless ice-blue satin gown with intricate beaded embroidery along the bodice. Her sleek updo and minimal jewelry give her a polished, almost bridal elegance that complements his classic look.

At the 11th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, James Van Der Beek stands in a black suit and satin tie, wearing a gentle, amused smile, while Katie Holmes beams beside him, her dark hair framing a playful, proud grin.

James Van Der Beek arrives at the Sixth Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards with a relaxed grin and tousled blond hair, radiating charm. He wears a slate-blue shirt with a wide collar under a dark jacket, softened by a simple silver necklace, exuding polished, youthful confidence.

James Van Der Beek steps onto the orange carpet with relaxed, boy-next-door charm, his smile matching the playful vibe. In a navy sweater and classic jeans, he exudes effortless casual style. At the 14th Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, he embodies laid-back teen icon charisma.

James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb share a warm embrace, smiling under the premiere lights. He wears a soft striped shirt, she a pale backless halter dress. At the "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" premiere, they radiate quiet charm amid the Hollywood buzz.

Ian Somerhalder, Shannyn Sossamon, and James Van Der Beek stand shoulder-to-shoulder, smiling for the "Rules of Attraction" screening. Somerhalder wears a leather jacket, Sossamon a layered look with a cap, and Van Der Beek adds polished confidence. Together, they radiate early-2000s style and indie-film energy.

James Van Der Beek tips his cap with a bright grin at a celebrity All-Star softball game. In a pinstriped “Hollywood Allstars” jersey, he blends playful athletic spirit with star charm. Bat in hand, he radiates the relaxed energy of a summer afternoon on the field.

James Van Der Beek beams beside Heather McComb at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Her ivory fringe dress adds vintage glamour as she smiles serenely. Together, they exude effortless charm amid the Hollywood crowd.

James Van Der Beek arrives at the AFI Fest with a relaxed smile in a sweater and blazer. Heather McComb stands beside him in a black fur-trimmed coat, her curls and serene smile adding elegance. Together, they exude calm sophistication at the RX premiere.

James Van Der Beek stands with relaxed confidence at the CineVegas premiere, his tousled curls and trimmed beard adding cinematic charm. In an unbuttoned black shirt and simple chain, he exudes effortless cool, his calm smile completing the laid-back star look.

James Van Der Beek lounges in a sharp pinstripe suit, exuding cool confidence. Holding a pen and wearing an unreadable expression, he embodies polished charm and quiet intensity. The reflective tabletop amplifies his presence in the drama "Ugly Betty."

James Van Der Beek steps onto the carpet in a crisp shirt and black sweater, exuding effortless polish. His relaxed stance adds warmth, reflecting quiet support for the cause. At the Summit on the Summit pre-ascent event, he blends casual style with calm confidence.

James Van Der Beek steps into the celebration with an easy grin, his casual henley and simple pendant giving him a warm, approachable glow. The soft lighting highlights his relaxed charm, making him look every bit the doting dad-supporter at a family-focused event.

Stepping onto the black carpet in a sharp gray suit with bright blue laces, James Van Der Beek blends polish with personality. At GQ’s event at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, he exudes effortless charm and modern sophistication.

James Van Der Beek brings effortless charm to the "Watch What Happens Live" set in a bold red jacket and patterned shirt. His neat mustache adds retro-cool flair as he smiles easily, ready for a fun night on Andy Cohen's couch.

James Van Der Beek sits with quiet confidence in a shearling-lined jacket, his steady gaze adding warmth to the cool studio tones. At the Deadline Sundance Studio, he embodies rugged ease and reflective charm during the Bad Hair press season.

James Van Der Beek arrives at the rock band Green Day's concert in a relaxed flannel and tank, exuding off-duty charm. Holding his child, he blends rock-night energy with warm fatherly ease under the concert lights.

James Van Der Beek sits with easy warmth in a suede jacket and rust turtleneck, his smile lighting up "The View" studio. Relaxed and engaged, he brings calm charisma and thoughtful charm to the conversation.

James Van Der Beek steps onto the yellow carpet in a dusty-rose suit that mirrors his effortless confidence and wry charm. His neatly trimmed mustache and relaxed stance give him a cool, vintage edge against the bright backdrop. At the "Overcompensating" premiere, he radiates easy sophistication with a hint of playful swagger.