Paul Walter Hauser is rallying support for James Van Der Beek during a difficult chapter in the actor’s cancer journey. The “Cobra Kai” star revealed plans to raise funds after learning that Van Der Beek was auctioning personal memorabilia to help pay for colorectal cancer treatment.
Paul Walter Hauser Responds After Learning of Van Der Beek’s Auction
After former “Dancing With The Stars” star shared that he was selling cherished items from his career, Hauser took to Instagram on January 23 to explain why the news stayed with him and pushed him to act.
“James Van Der Beek started selling his old stuff from his past acting jobs to pay for his colorectal cancer treatments, and it didn’t sit well with me,” Hauser, 39, wrote.
“I am an actor and father of 3 children, and I want them inheriting my trinkets/wardrobe/memorabilia someday.”
Getty“I wouldn’t want to auction off a Stingray shirt or Marvel script to make ends meet for treatment,” he added.
Hauser said the moment resonated deeply with him, prompting him to step in and offer support while respecting the personal and professional memories tied to a lifetime of work.
Cameo Campaign and Celebrity Auction Aim to Raise $20K
GettyPartnering with Cameo, Hauser laid out a multi-step fundraising effort centered on personalized video messages and contributions from colleagues from the entertainment industry.
“Please repost this and spread the love by spreading the word,” he wrote.
“I am trying to raise 20k by March 1, through recorded Cameo videos, and then I plan to do an auction of celebrity friends’ personal items and autographs (Josh Gad, Becky Lynch, Jimmy Kimmel, and many many more-) to continue our support of a fellow actor, father and husband who has rolled a painful pair of dice these last couple years.”
For Hauser, who shares children Harris, 4, Jonah, 2, and Isla Grace, 6 months, with wife Amy Boland Hauser, the effort carries both urgency and personal meaning.
“I’ve always liked James Van Der Beek, and he seems like a really good dude,” he added. “Let’s help him out in this difficult moment. Prayers Up 4 The Beek!”
What Van Der Beek Said About Selling ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Memorabilia
Van Der Beek previously revealed that he was auctioning select items from his time on “Dawson’s Creek,” with proceeds directed toward medical expenses as he continues treatment for stage 3 colon cancer.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them,” he said in a statement shared on Propstore’s Live Auction website. “And with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now.”
He shares children Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 2, with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.
