James Van Der Beek Reveals What the Real Full Monty Taught Him (Exclusive)

Getting naked for a good cause is a real bonding experience!

The stars of The real Full Monty has given PEOPLE the opportunity to strip down to raise awareness of prostate, testicular and colon cancer testing and research in Fox’s two-hour special, airing December 9th.

James Van Der Beek, Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, Chris Jones, Tyler Posey and Bruno Tonioli each had their own reasons for supporting the program, with Diggs saying it brought them closer together after sharing experiences.

“We didn’t know each other to that extent – ​​we ended up getting really personal,” he says. “So there was that, and then to come together and have that movement, we all move differently, and for (choreographer) Mandy (Moore) to find the right movement for all of us to do together in concert, that was really, really , very cool.”

“It’s not easy to get a group of selfish and insecure men to move forward at the same pace,” Diggs, 53, adds.

Van Der Beek, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer, notes that the group of men had to let their guard down, which was symbolic of breaking the mental barriers many people have to men’s health exams.

“I realized how important it is to bring together a supportive group, no matter what you’re going through,” he said Dawson’s Creek alum, 47, says. “I think a lot of men – I know I was one of them – just never want to ask for help. But when you’re in a group like that you realize it’s so much better, it’s safety in numbers.”

Tonioli, 69, agrees and admits that as a dancer (and judge) Dancing with the stars), he wasn’t as far out of his comfort zone as his co-stars, but each of them was challenged in unique ways.

“It was very good because in a way we represented the entire spectrum of society again,” he explains. “I also think that for me, to a certain extent, it was about being my true self and not the performing persona. We all did that and I found it very inspiring. Very, very refreshing in a way.”

“It means being part of a team and feeling truly united,” he continues. “Seriously, this was the greatest experience, the feeling that we are all together, that we have a purpose and that we are united in delivering this message. That’s what it’s really about.”

Anderson, 54, says he always thought he was an open person, but that’s true The real Full Monty gave him a new idea of ​​what that means.

“I operate from a space of fearlessness – that’s how I’ve always behaved – but being naked on stage with five other men in front of a live audience really puts it into perspective,” he laughs.

Doing “the right thing” was the primary motivation for Anderson’s participation. He explains that it’s important to him to encourage others to “not pay attention to the stigma surrounding men’s health.” “It helped me personally and it was always nice to know that you were also doing something for others,” he says.

At the end, Van Der Beek jokes that the group has many memories of “falling on the floor laughing” and “getting out of that comfort zone.”

“It’s hysterical,” chimes in Tonioli. “I mean, that would actually be so funny, all the outtakes.”

Posey adds, “(The choreographer) would say, ‘Okay, come on, you guys have to get it together.’ We have a performance we’re getting ready for and stop laughing.'”

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The real Full Monty airs Monday, December 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.