Joshua Jackson Shares Thoughts on James Van Der Beek: “We’re Still Working Through It”
Joshua Jackson has spoken publicly for the first time about the passing of his Dawson’s Creek co-star, James Van Der Beek, who died on February 11. In an interview on the Today show, Jackson expressed the profound impact of the loss, stating, “I think it hits in a variety of different ways.”
Reflecting on his role as a father, Jackson noted, “The enormity of that tragedy for his family hits me in a very different way than just as a colleague. So I think the processing is ongoing.”
During the interview, Jackson fondly reminisced about their time on Dawson’s Creek, saying, “He and I shared this very amazing time…and it was formational for us. I know both of us look back on that time with great fondness, but I will also say that I know that I’m really just a footnote in what he actually accomplished in his life.”
He continued, praising Van Der Beek’s character: “He became what we used to just call a good man, a man of the kind of belief, the kind of faith that allowed him to face the impossible with grace, an unbelievable partner and husband, just a real man who showed up for his family and a beautiful, kind, curious, interested, dedicated father.”
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Van Der Beek revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024. Jackson, now 47, has partnered with the NHL and AstraZeneca to promote their Get Body Checked Against Cancer campaign, which raises awareness of the importance of cancer screening.
“Obviously, when James got his diagnosis, and now I’m thinking about a contemporary of mine going through something like this, and when the AstraZeneca folks reached out, I also have a lifelong connection to hockey,” Jackson explained. “Guys don’t like to talk about this. We don’t like to go to the doctor, we don’t like to deal with this stuff. And I know a lot of ways in your life, like that stiff upper lip thing can be helpful, but in this, it’s not helpful at all.”
Last month, Katie Holmes, who also starred in Dawson’s Creek, shared her thoughts on Van Der Beek. “I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved…to share space with your imagination is sacred,” she said, recalling memories filled with laughter and deep conversations about life.
Tributes from other Dawson’s Creek cast members honoring Van Der Beek’s legacy can be found in various reports.
