Most fans know James Van Der Beek as the sensitive dreamer from Dawson’s Creek or the erratic football player from Varsity Blues. But few remember the time he donned a fake mustache to sell used cars. In a hilarious hidden-camera experiment, the actor tried to fool real customers at a dealership.
James Van Der Beek proved his comedic chops by going undercover as a car salesman. This forgotten gem from 2016 showcases the actor’s willingness to poke fun at himself. It stands in stark contrast to the dramatic roles that made him famous.
Inside The Hilarious Stars Selling Cars Prank
Back in 2016, the automotive website Autoblog launched a web series titled “Stars Selling Cars.” The premise was simple yet effective. Celebrities would dress up in disguise and attempt to sell vehicles to unsuspecting buyers. Van Der Beek was the brave soul chosen for the premiere episode.
He did not hold back on the costume. The actor arrived on set wearing a questionable wig and a fake mustache that looked like it might fall off at any moment. To complete the look, he wore the stereotypical uniform of khakis and a polo shirt. His goal was to pass as a regular employee named “Jim.”
Things did not go exactly to plan. Despite his best acting efforts, customers recognized him almost immediately.
The interactions were pure comedy gold.
- One couple stared at him with confusion before asking if he was “that guy.”
- Van Der Beek tried to stay in character, discussing horsepower and financing.
- The disguise was simply not enough to hide one of the most recognizable faces of the 90s.
Van Der Beek later admitted that he knew the jig was up early on. The moment served as a reminder that while actors can play many roles, hiding star power in a car lot is a difficult task.
James Van Der Beek wearing fake mustache disguise selling cars
Revisiting The Viral Varsity Blues Commercial
The undercover prank was not the first time Van Der Beek mixed cars with comedy. Three years prior, he teamed up with Cars.com for a memorable ad campaign. This 2013 commercial leaned heavily into nostalgia.
The advertisement cleverly mocked the stress of buying a car. It positioned the process as overly dramatic, something Van Der Beek knows a thing or two about. In the spot, he reprised his intense energy from the 1999 film Varsity Blues.
He delivered iconic lines with intense seriousness. At one point, he channeled his character Mox to scream about not wanting “your life,” a direct reference to the movie’s most famous scene. The contrast between his high-stakes acting and the mundane task of buying a sedan was brilliant.
The campaign sparked a massive reaction on social media.
| Campaign Element | Fan Reaction |
|---|---|
| TV Commercial | Praised for self-awareness and humor. |
| Twitter Hashtag | #VanDerDrama trended as fans shared their car buying stories. |
| Contests | Users submitted their own dramatic lines for prizes. |
This marketing move proved that Van Der Beek was ready to shed his serious heartthrob image. It paved the way for his later comedic roles in shows like Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
Why Fans Love His Comedic Side
James Van Der Beek has built a career on versatility. While he exploded onto the scene as a dramatic lead, his pivot to comedy has kept him relevant for decades. The car salesman stunt highlights a specific quality that fans adore: humility.
It takes a certain level of confidence to wear a bad wig and fail at selling cars on camera. He allows the audience to laugh with him, not just at him. This approach has endeared him to a new generation of viewers who may have missed his teen idol phase.
His ability to switch gears is rare.
- He can deliver a tear-jerking monologue.
- He can perform physical comedy.
- He can improvise in unscripted reality scenarios.
This range is why he remains a fixture in Hollywood. Whether he is competing on Dancing with the Stars or playing a fictionalized version of himself, he brings 100% effort. The “Stars Selling Cars” episode remains a perfect example of this commitment.
Looking Ahead With Optimism
Recently, James Van Der Beek has been in the news for a much more serious reason. He publicly shared his diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer. Despite this heavy challenge, the actor has maintained the same positive spirit seen in his lighter work.
He uses his platform to raise awareness. He encourages men to get screened and prioritizes time with his wife and six children. His resilience in real life mirrors the strength of the characters he has played.
Looking back at moments like the undercover car salesman prank serves a purpose. It reminds us of the joy and laughter he has brought to millions. It is easy to focus on the drama, but the funny moments often leave the longest lasting impression.
James Van Der Beek continues to work and inspire. His journey from a fictional creek to a real-life car lot and beyond shows a man who embraces every aspect of life. Fans look forward to seeing what role he tackles next, disguised or not.
