James Van Der Beek Looks Healthy in New Video as Wife Gushes About His Cancer Recovery

Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek looked healthy in a new social media video posted on Monday – as his wife gushed that ‘he’s bouncing back’ amid his cancer battle.

The actor, 48, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last year, famously played Dawson Leery on the beloved teen drama, that aired from 1998 to 2003.

And father-of-six James is now selling merchandise from his classic 1999 movie Varsity Blues for a second time to help pay for his cancer treatments – and those of other patients.

The coming-of-age drama, which was about high school football, starred James as Jonathan ‘Mox’ Moxon amid a cast that included Jon Voight, Paul Walker and Scott Caan.

In the new video where he looks happy and healthy he was promoting a white shirt with his number 4 and name Moxon on to help raise money.

He penned in the caption: ‘By popular demand! My favorite jersey. Maybe it was all fun plays we got run in the football sequences for the away games… but I always loved putting on the varsity whites.

‘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.

‘I hope you enjoy this one as much as the original. For me, every jersey I sign is a magical full-circle moment.

‘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.

‘Proceeds go directly toward helping with treatment and supporting families walking the same path. Limited quantities – link in bio. Promise I’ll get the signed ones turned around quicker this time #varistyblues.’

His wife Kimberly then commented underneath saying: ‘You’re a wizard. Bouncing back baby!!’ The pair share six children. 

He sold similar merchandise from the film last year soon after he revealed his diagnosis.

It comes after last week it was revealed he is putting a number of his cherished Dawson’s Creek keepsakes on auction to help pay for his ‘expensive’ cancer treatments.

He admitted he was feeling nostalgic about parting with the items, but added that with the recent ‘unexpected twists and turns’ in his life it’s the right time to do so. 

Among the pieces fans will have a chance to own is the outfit he wore in the pilot episode, which is expected to sell for up to $4,000 according to People.

Also up for grabs will be the necklace Dawson gifted Joey Potter (played by Katie Holmes) for prom, which is estimated to sell for anywhere between $26,400 to $52,800.

DailyMail.com has reached out to his representative for comment.

He has teamed up with Propstore to sell items from his personal collection during their Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, which will be held December 5–7. 

‘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,’ the father-of-six shared. 

‘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.’ 

The actor will sell wardrobe, props, and set pieces that highlight key moments from his career. 

All proceeds will go to Van Der Beek to help cover the expenses of his cancer treatment. 

Interested bidders can register now, with live in-room bidding in London on December 6 and online bidding open globally until December 7, 2025. 

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined. 

154,270 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2025, and 52,900 will die from the disease, according to estimates by The American Cancer Society.

James revealed his diagnosis in November 2024.

He recently sparked concern among fans over his noticeably frail figure after appearing virtually at a Dawson’s Creek reunion. 

He was initially due to appear in person but had to cancel due to ill health. 

Back in November 2024, Van Der Beek spoke about his diagnosis and said he was feeling good. 

‘Miracles do happen, and they happen all the time,’ he told People at the time. 

‘It’s scary at the onset. It’s overwhelming. Go easy on yourself. You got this.’ 

He added: ‘I’ve really been so blessed with my wife and kids. I’ve got a lot to live for, and it’s a beautiful life.’

The cast of Dawson’s Creek recently reunited at New York’s Richard Rogers Theatre in collaboration with F Cancer for a live read through of their pilot episode.

But lead star James was forced to pull out of the event after falling ill during his treatment for colorectal cancer.

James’s wife Kimberly and their six children instead made a surprise appearance on stage, whilst the actor pre recorded videos to play during the show.

Kimberly shared photos with her husband’s co-stars Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps as she thanked them for their support on the night admitting: ‘Missed my guy so.

‘But the support and the love has been healing to the core.’

Meanwhile, Katie, who played James’ love interest Joey Potter on the show, shared her own memories of the night as she paid tribute to her ‘everlasting bond’ with her co-stars. 

‘I will never find the words for what these three beautiful humans mean to me,’ the actress wrote alongside a video of her, Michelle and Joshua Jackson on stage. ‘For our shared journey. For our everlasting bond.’

‘James, Josh, Michelle… from April 1997 – I love you. James, you got this. We got you. To everyone who supported us from the beginning and who continue to support James and his beautiful family, we thank you. Thank you for last night.’

James replied to the post, commenting: ‘Love you! Thank you for being you.’

Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda was drafted in as a last minute replacement for James for the read through, after a call from his close friend Michelle and her husband Thomas Kail.

The Broadway icon shared his own collection of photos from the night, posing for snaps with James’ family as he gushed about ‘the immense privilege of being present,’ and revealed he had been sending James photos ‘all through rehearsal and the evening’.

‘[Thomas] Kail called over the weekend: James caught a virus and was unable to travel to NY for the Dawson’s Creek reunion Monday,’ Lin-Manuel explained.

‘Now I’m godfather to Tommy and Michelle’s kid, so filling in for Dawson last minute falls under general coverage.’

‘What happened next was for me, more like being in an episode of Quantum Leap; I had the immense privilege of being present as an understudy so that people’s love for James, his family, and this incredible cast and show could reverberate all around the Rodgers and the world.’