Actor James Van Der Beek diagnosed with colorectal cancer
Actor James Van Der Beek has revealed that he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
unbranded – Entertainment
James Van Der Beek is showing off his “Varsity Blues” jersey, amid an auction of some of his most valuable memorabilia.
In a post to Instagram Monday, Nov. 24, Van Der Beek, 48, sported a white and blue jersey as he tossed around a football, offering fans the chance to have their own uniform signed by the actor himself. The jersey is designed in the image of the one he wore in the 1999 movie “Varsity Blues.”
“By popular demand! My favorite jersey. Maybe it was all fun plays we got (to) run in the football sequences for the away games… but I always loved putting on the varsity whites,” he wrote in the caption.
“Last year, when I released the Blues jersey, I was blown away by the love and support I received from all of you. It has meant more than I can ever express,” Van Der Beek continued. The actor went public with his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024. In the wake of the announcement, he has been public about his treatment and the outpouring of love from both his former “Dawson’s Creek” castmates and fans of his work.
“I hope you enjoy this one as much as the original. For me, every jersey I sign is a magical full-circle moment,” he added on Instagram. “Thank you — for the love, the prayers, the support, and for making this jersey mean something far bigger than a movie. Endlessly grateful for all of you.”
Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly Van Der Beek took to the comments of the post to share an update on her husband amid his journey and praise him.
“You’re a wizard,” his wife wrote in a comment below the post. “Bounding back baby!!”
James Van Der Beek ‘Varsity Blues’ jersey auction
In a link from his Instagram bio, fans are taken to a site where they can buy a jersey either with an autograph for $80 or without for $40. The sale comes ahead of another auction, in which he plans to sell off items from throughout his career to help pay for treatment costs.
“Proceeds go directly toward helping with treatment and supporting families walking the same path,” he added. “Promise I’ll get the signed ones turned around quicker this time.”
The items included his character Dawson’s pilot episode outfit from “Dawson’s Creek” and his cleats from “Varsity Blues,” which will be auctioned off during Propstore’s Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, scheduled for Dec. 5–7.
