One of James Van Der Beek’s final television projects is returning to primetime as part of a tribute broadcast. Fox announced it will re-air “The Real Full Monty” on Wednesday, February 18, at 8 p.m. ET/PT to honor the late actor and continue raising awareness for cancer research.
The encore presentation will include an on-screen QR code encouraging viewers to donate to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. The special originally aired in December 2024.
Van Der Beek died at age 48, less than two years after publicly revealing his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis.
‘The Real Full Monty’ Cancer Awareness Special on Fox
“The Real Full Monty” featured six male celebrities performing choreographed striptease routines to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research. Van Der Beek appeared alongside Anthony Anderson of “Black-ish,” Taye Diggs of “All American,” Tyler Posey of “Teen Wolf,” Bruno Tonioli of “Dancing With the Stars,” and Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones.
The special was inspired by a series of British TV events of the same name, which launched in 2017. Those programs drew inspiration from the 1997 film “The Full Monty,” which followed a group of unemployed men who stage a dance performance to raise money. The original movie later inspired a stage musical, a play, and a sequel TV series.
Fox confirmed the February 18 broadcast will serve as both a tribute and a renewed call to action for cancer screening and awareness.
James Van Der Beek Spoke Openly About His Cancer Diagnosis
The “Dancing With the Stars” season 19 fan-favorite revealed in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 46. He shared his story publicly in hopes of raising awareness, particularly as colorectal cancer rates increase among younger adults.
“That’s one of the reasons I want to talk about it and the reason I’m talking about it so openly,” Van Der Beek told People. “I’ve been dealing with this pretty much in secret for a while.”
He continued, “In the past, I’ve found it helpful and cathartic to share things publicly. And I’ve found a lot of support that way. But more than that, I really wanted to raise awareness.”
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 5 new colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in people under age 55. Van Der Beek said he did not expect the diagnosis.
“I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles,” he said. “But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy.”
He also acknowledged the emotional toll of uncertainty during treatment.
“The trickiest thing is there are so many unknowns with cancer,” he said. “As someone who likes answers, not knowing is one of the hardest things.”
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.
