‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star Sells Merch to Cover Cancer Costs
James Van Der Beek Says “nostialiga” is “tugging” at him as he sells “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia to pay for his cancer treatments.

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
James Van Der Beek is selling memorabilia from his hit series Dawson Creek to pay for his cancer treatments. The actor, 48, starred in the drama Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003 alongside Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. The father of six was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year and this past September he was absent from the show’s reunion in New York City due to his illness. He told Today.com that his life with cancer feels like a “full-time job.” The actor is selling memorabilia from the show at the Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction to fund his cancer treatments. The necklace that Dawson gifts to Joey for prom is estimated to be sold for $26,400 to $52,800. Dawson’s outfit from the show’s pilot episode is valued at around $4,000. Van Der Beek is also selling his cleats and West Carolina Coyotes Hat from his 1999 film Variety Blues. The actor tells People that this is the right time to give up “these treasures,” though he has “some nostalgia” about letting them go. He explains that “unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now.”
James Van Der Beek having to sell Dawson’s Creek memorabilia to pay for cancer treatment perfectly sums up America’s healthcare system.https://t.co/gzCuTKfPd3
— Josh Mc (@JoshMcVa) November 12, 2025
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.