James Van Der Beek really got caught with 'Dawson's Crack' adult film in airport luggage

James Van Der Beek had his own secret reason to bare all on TV for Fox's "The Real Full Monty."

When he was first approached to appear on the striptease special inspired by the 1997 movie for cancer awareness, Van Der Beek, 47, was privately undergoing his own cancer battle after being diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023. Taking it all off in a male celebrity revue led by Anthony Anderson would not only make for raucously good TV, he figured, but also serve as the ultimate platform to highlight the need for screenings for deadly diseases that men are often embarrassed to discuss: prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer.

"The universe is hilarious. I knew immediately in my heart I was doing this," Van Der Beek tells USA TODAY about ripping off a red thong for the cause on Monday's two-hour special (8 EST/PST). "My brain had to catch up to what I'd be doing. There's been nothing even resembling a male stripping past for me, so this was truly novel. The added layer was this was going to be my first time talking about my diagnosis."

James Van Der Beek's 'Varisty Blues' Selling movie jerseys to help pay for cancer treatment costs

Van Der Beek revealed his health challenge last month before announcing the sale of signed replica football jerseys from his 1999 drama "Varsity Blues" to raise money for treatment. The actor felt the outpouring of concern and love from friends and fans worldwide.

"It's been amazing and overwhelming," he says. He received a gift basket with a touching note from Katie Holmes, his co-star in WB's hit 1998-2003 series "Dawson's Creek." "To find myself in a place where I'm being supported with so many good wishes really took me aback."

The support also came from his fellow "Full Monty" strippers, including actors Anderson, Taye Diggs and Tyler Posey, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and "Dancing With the Stars" judge Bruno Tonioli.

When Van Der Beek revealed his diagnosis to his fellow dancers on camera, the concern was palpable. Tonioli, who judged Van Der Beek and pro Emma Slater on Season 28 of "DWTS," burst into tears.

"Bruno and I go way back," says Van Der Beek, who was touched. "I've always been this independent person, so counting on these guys for support was huge. Hopefully, others will be inspired to see me stop trying to be Superman constantly and relying on my support system."

That support includes his wife of 14 years, Kimberly, their six children ("they've been amazing") and friends like Slater (they've remained so close that his kids call her "Auntie"). Even with the love, there are moments he's overwhelmed thinking about the life-changing diagnosis.

"It really is a lot. It's definitely been a huge initiation into what I call 'Act Three,'" he says. "But I'm in a really good spot, feeling really strong and able to exercise and keep in shape, so that's a big boost."

"Full Monty" brought him escapist joy. Van Der Beek even loved being the butt of a "Weekend Update" joke, which referred to the special as "Dawson's Crack." The zinger was particularly funny since Van Der Beek had been busted with a copy of a VHS porn video with the same title.

"It's a 100% true story. I received the 'Dawson's Crack' porno as a wrap gift for 'The Rules of Attraction,'" he says, referring to his 2002 movie. "It was on VHS. That's how long ago this was." He packed the NSFW tape when returning to the"Dawson's Creek" set in North Carolina, because "I wanted to show everybody that we'd made it" as a successful show. "So I put it in my suitcase and went through security. It was right after 9/11, and security opened up every suitcase, including mine. And it was right on top. Not only was it, you know, a porno, but a porno based on a show I was in. The TSA guard looked at me, got embarrassed, and just closed the suitcase. And I was on my merry way."

He couldn't slink away from raw duty on "Full Monty," not even the thong-removal training. "It's more technical than you think," Van Der Beek says. "The thong needs to stay on when you want it to stay on, and it needs to come off when you want it off. Timing is crucial, and you're putting a lot of faith in a plastic clasp."

To answer the burning question, yes, each man really stripped down to nothing in front of an appreciative audience. There is more than just the final thong. Even Van Der Beek doesn't know how much of the ultimate reveal will be shown on Fox.

"But we all went full monty, 100%. We got naked in front of a crowd. It was actually pretty liberating. And if we can get up on stage and do that, then someone can have that conversation with their doctor and maybe save their life.

"The dancing is optional."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Van Der Beek got 'Full Monty' busted with 'Dawson's Crack' film