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James Van Der Beek Is Auctioning ‘Dawson’s Creek’, ‘Varsity Blues’ Props Amid Cancer Treatment





What’s happening:
James Van Der Beek, best known for playing Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, has announced that he will be auctioning a selection of memorabilia from both Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues. The decision comes as he confronts treatment for stage 3 colorectal cancer, which he revealed after being diagnosed in 2023.

Items up for auction:

A black metal chain necklace with a polished black-stone pendant that Van Der Beek wore for three seasons of Dawson’s Creek.

The white jumper / cotton trousers ensemble from the pilot episode of Dawson’s Creek. 

Film-worn cleats and a West Canaan Coyotes snapback hat from Varsity Blues.

Other items include a flannel shirt worn on set, a production chair-back with his character’s name, and decorations from his character’s room in Dawson’s Creek.

When & how the auction will run:
The auction is being organised through Propstore in their Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, scheduled for 5-7 December 2025. The live in-room bidding will take place in London on 6 December, with global online participation available.

Why he’s doing this:
Van Der Beek said:

“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.”

All net proceeds from the auction will go toward his ongoing cancer treatment and supporting families impacted by the financial burden of cancer.

What this highlights:
 is part of what this very public decision underscores.

It also shows Van Der Beek’s decision to engage openly with his diagnosis and to involve his legacy works in a meaningful way.

Fans of Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues are being given a unique opportunity to own pieces of television and film history — while contributing to a real-life cause.

Taking stock:
This isn’t just a celebrity auction for memorabilia; it’s tied to a personal journey. Van Der Beek’s willingness to part with items that are sentimental to him speaks volumes about how seriously he is taking this chapter of his life. For fans, it’s both bittersweet and significant.

Bottom line:
If you’ve ever wanted a tangible link to those cultural moments from the late 1990s/early 2000s — and you’d also like to support someone in a fight that many endure silently — this auction promises to be deeply meaningful. For Van Der Beek, this is more than selling props. It’s a purposeful step in a difficult time.