The lead actor of the series Dawson grows up, James Van Der Beek, 48, will offer fans of the late ’90s teen drama the opportunity to acquire prized items from his personal collection. 100% of what he raises will be used to pay for his expensive treatment for colon cancer, a disease he was diagnosed with at stage 3 in November 2024. “I’ve been holding onto these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all the unexpected turns life has thrown me lately, it’s clear that that time has come,” the actor told the magazine exclusively. People this Tuesday.
Your items will be part of the titled auction Live Auction of Winter Entertainment Memorabilia, and its pieces include costumes, props and set decoration elements that recall the series’ most important moments. The event, which will see the objects displayed to the public for the first time, will take place from 5 to 7 December. “Although I am overwhelmed by nostalgia in parting with these objects, I am happy to be able to offer them through the Propstore auction and share them with those who have supported my work over the years”, he commented to the aforementioned newspaper.
Fans of the six-season series that aired between 1998 and 2003 will have the opportunity to purchase the necklace that Dawson Leery, the role played by Van Der Beek, gave to Joey Potter, played by Katie Holmes, for her prom. Its estimated price ranges between $26,400 and $52,800. Dawson’s outfit from the pilot episode will also be up for sale, including a brown flannel shirt that is expected to fetch around $4,000.
Clips from the film will also be available Game of Champions (Varsity Blues), which he starred in in 1999. His followers will be able to win the football boots he wore during the filming of the film, which portrays an inspiring story of American football, and the cap of the team, the West California Coyotes. Last year, the actor revealed that he would cover part of the cost of his treatment by selling signed football shirts to mark the film’s 25th anniversary. On his Instagram profile, which has almost two million followers, he wrote: “100% of my net profits will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including mine).” He added: “It’s been a difficult year… and I’m grateful for everything. For the enormous change that cancer has meant in my life, for the gift of knowing what it’s like to have the unconditional support of my friends, in ways I could never have imagined if I hadn’t gone through this disease.”
Last September, the interpreter had to cancel his presence at the meeting of the actors of Dawson grows up in New York. Although he was not physically present due to health problems, he made a surprise appearance in a video that caused concern among followers due to his thin appearance. The aim of the meeting was to raise funds for the Fuck Cancer organisation. During the event, his friend Lin Manuel Miranda replaced him for the script reading, and his wife and six children also represented the actor. In the video, Van Der Beek thanked fans of the series for attending and purchasing tickets for charity. “I just want to get on stage and thank every person in the theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew, to everyone who is doing something and has been so generous, and most of all to each and every one of you: You are the best fans in the world,” he said in the video.
