ACTOR James Van Der Beek has been forced to sell off his iconic Dawson’s Creek outfits to raise money for expensive treatments as part of his heartbreaking colon cancer battle.
The 48-year-old actor has partnered with Propstore to allow fans to buy beloved memorabilia from his show to raise funds for his medical treatment. He was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer last year, as first revealed by People.
James is hoping to rake in well into the five figures from items he sells at the exclusive auction, with a viewing exhibition taking place over three days next month.
Among some of the pieces up for grabs include the outfit he wore in the pilot episode for Dawson’s Creek.
James played Dawson Leery on the show between 1998 and 2003 and is expected to land $4,000 for selling off the item.
Another prestigious item the star is auctioning off is the necklace his character gave to Joey in Dawson’s Creek.
Early estimates suggest it could bring in anywhere between $26,400 to $52,800.
Many other items will also be available for purchase, according to reports.
James will use 100% of the proceeds to fund his expensive cancer treatments.
Speaking of his decision to auction off his belongings, the actor told People: “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.
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“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.”
Live in-room bidding is expected to begin in London on December 6 before opening up to global bidding the following day.
In November of last year, James told fans he was living with colorectal cancer in an emotional statement, but suggested there were reasons for “optimism.”
In March this past year, on his 48th birthday, he updated fans on his condition and confessed it had been the “hardest year” of his life.
“Today is my birthday – and it’s been the hardest year of my life.
“And I wanted to share something that I’ve learned with y’all.
“When I was younger, I used to define myself as an actor, which was never all that fulfilling, and then I became a husband and it was much better and then I became a father and that was the ultimate.”
Talking in front of a log burn fire he continued: “This year I had to look my own mortality in the eye.
“I had to come nose to nose with death. And all of those definitions that I cared so deeply about were stripped from me.
“I was away for treatment, so I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife.
“I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them.
“I could not be a provider because I wasn’t working.”
The film and TV star, who appeared in flicks including Varsity Blues, Texas Rangers, and more, continued to reflect on his identity.
“I was faced with the question, ‘If I am just a too-skinny, weak guy, alone in an apartment with cancer, what am I?’”
“I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist.
“And if I’m worthy of God’s love, shouldn’t I also be worthy of my own?
“As I move through this healing portal toward recovery, I wanted to share that with you because that revelation that came to me was in no small part to all the prayers and the love that had been directed toward me.”
James rose to fame after starring in Dawson’s Creek, which ran for six seasons from 1998 until 2003.
The teen drama made household names of its stars, including Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams.
After the show ended James continued to appear in popular TV shows including Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber, and Pose.
He also took part in Dancing With The Stars in 2019, where he was partnered with Emma Slater and reached the semi-finals.
