James Van Der Beek Will Strip Down for Cancer Research on New TV Special

Before announcing his own diagnosis, James Van Der Beek teamed up with other celebs to raise cancer awareness.

Van Der Beek, 47, will appear in Fox’s upcoming TV special The Real Full Monty, alongside Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, Tyler Posey, Chris Jones and Bruno Tonioli. Inspired by the 1997 comedy The Full Monty, which saw a group of British men form a strip-tease act, the two-hour special will see the stars strip down to help spread awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research.

The cast’s strip-tease rehearsal will pay off with a performance in front of a live audience, choreographed by Emmy winner Mandy Moore, per a press release. “Leading up to the final disrobing, the men will expand their limits, test their modesty and strengthen their bond with a series of rehearsals and experiences, both private and public, designed to build confidence and remove them far from their comfort zone and forge a brotherhood,” reads the show’s description. “Along the way, each of the celebrities will share their personal stories of how cancer has impacted their lives.”

Van Der Beek’s casting was first announced in May, nearly six months before the Dawson’s Creek alum announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he told People on Sunday, November 3. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

The actor shared more details about his health journey via Instagram that same day. “’It is cancer …’ Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them,” he wrote on Sunday. Van Der Beek noted that he shared his diagnosis sooner than he hoped after learning “a tabloid was going to run with the news.”

He continued: “I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”

Van Der Beek went on to apologize to his loved ones who found out about his diagnosis online rather than in person. “Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline … But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention,” he wrote.

Van Der Beek ended his message on a positive note, writing, “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support. More to come.”

James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, praised the Varsity Blues star in the Instagram post’s comments. “I love you baby,” she wrote underneath the upload alongside a heart emoji.

Just three days before James’ cancer announcement, the couple, who wed in 2010, dressed up to take their six children trick-or-treating. “I made all my own costumes growing up. Didn’t really have a choice. But I loved it,” James captioned Instagram pics of his and his family’s Halloween costumes on Tuesday, November 1. “Should probably have been the first warning sign to my parents that I would end up an actor 😂.”

The Real Full Monty special airs on Fox Monday, December 9, at 8 p.m. ET.