The cast of "The Real Full Monty," including executive producer Anthony Anderson, were taken aback when James Van Der Beek revealed his cancer diagnosis during rehearsals. Anderson described it as a "bomb" that underscored the significance of the show's mission to raise awareness for men's cancer screenings.

Van Der Beek's personal experience brought a new level of gravity to the production, which features celebrities recreating the iconic striptease from the 1997 film to encourage testing for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancers. Anderson recounted Van Der Beek's words, emphasizing the potential life-saving impact of early detection and the show's role in promoting it.

Van Der Beek, who announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November, shared that a tabloid forced him to reveal his diagnosis earlier than planned. He expressed regret that some acquaintances learned about his health through the media. "Dancing with the Stars" judge Bruno Tonioli, also part of the "Full Monty" cast, praised Van Der Beek's strength and positive attitude.

The cast, including Tyler Posey and Taye Diggs, found the training for the performance to be challenging but rewarding, fostering camaraderie and a deeper understanding of the show's purpose. Diggs admitted he initially underestimated the difficulty of the choreography but appreciated the bonding experience and the artistic focus it demanded.

Van Der Beek, a father of six, lightheartedly mentioned that 60% of his children supported his participation in the revealing performance. Anderson reflected on the conversations he's had with friends and family about the show, now finding a deeper sense of purpose in explaining its message. Tonioli, whose friend and fellow "DWTS" judge Len Goodman passed away from prostate cancer, felt a personal connection to the cause, adding another layer of meaning to the project.

"The Real Full Monty" premieres on December 9th on FOX and streams the next day on Hulu.