per People on Friday, Van Der Beek shared that his own experience with colorectal cancer inspired him to get involved in the program.“I’ll be honest, I was diagnosed with cancer,” the “Varsity Blues” star told the group, which included Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, Chris Jones, Bruno Tonioli and Tyler Posey. “Dancing With the Stars” judge Tonioli broke down in tears at Van Der Beek’s admission.“I lost a dear friend to cancer, so I wanted to help bring awareness,” Anderson shared in the clip before Tonioli added, “For me, I had to do it because of Len [Goodman].
We lost him last year.”“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,” the official logline reads. “Along the way, each of the celebrities will share their personal stories of how cancer has impacted their lives.”The trailer showed shots of the men in rehearsals and eventually ripping off their tearaway pants before thrusting to a jam-packed audience.“If we can do the striptease in front of a live audience, hopefully, that will inspire people to go get checked,” Van Der Beek said to the camera.Van Der Beek revealed the news of his health battle earlier this month, telling People, “I have colorectal cancer.
I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.Van Der Beek has been married to his wife, Kimberly, since 2010.