Nearly a month after the passing of James Van Der Beek, the beloved actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery on the iconic teen drama Dawson’s Creek, his longtime friend and co-star Joshua Jackson is still coming to terms with the enormous loss. Appearing on the Today show on March 10, 2026, Jackson opened up about the profound impact Van Der Beek’s death has had on him, especially as a father himself. "For me as a father now, the enormity of that tragedy for his family hits me in a very different way than just as a colleague, so I think the process is ongoing," Jackson shared, reflecting on the emotional journey of grief that continues to unfold.
The two actors, who portrayed Pacey Witter and Dawson Leery, respectively, became household names during Dawson’s Creek’s six-season run from 1998 to 2003. Their bond, however, extended far beyond the television screen. During their early days filming in Wilmington, North Carolina, Jackson and Van Der Beek were roommates, navigating the uncertainty of young adulthood and newfound fame together. Jackson once recalled in a 2018 Entertainment Weekly interview, "I didn’t have any money yet because the checks hadn’t cleared, so I was kind of rescued by having somebody to sign up with." The camaraderie and support built during those formative years laid the foundation for a lifelong friendship, even as their paths diverged after the series ended.
Van Der Beek’s death at age 48 on February 11, 2026, came after a nearly three-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. According to People, his family—including wife Kimberly and their six children, Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (6), and Jeremiah (3)—announced his passing with a statement that read, "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." The family also requested privacy as they grieved their "loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Jackson, now 47 and father to a five-year-old daughter, Juno, with ex-wife Jodie Turner-Smith, spoke candidly about how Van Der Beek’s legacy as a devoted husband and father has weighed heavily on his mind. "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, right? Just a real man who showed up for his family and a beautiful, kind, curious, interested, dedicated father," Jackson praised during his Today show interview. He emphasized that while their shared time on Dawson’s Creek was special, it was only a footnote in the larger story of Van Der Beek’s life and impact.
The sense of loss is compounded by the close-knit nature of the Dawson’s Creek cast, who, despite drifting apart after the show ended, found their way back to each other in Van Der Beek’s final years. As Jackson recounted on the Dinner’s On Me podcast in April 2025, it was largely thanks to their female castmates—including Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Busy Philipps—that the group reconnected. "I wish I could take credit for this, but I was kind of the absentee partner here, but the girls all got together and were like, ‘We need to do something to help this guy out,’" Jackson admitted. This renewed connection led to a group text among the cast after Van Der Beek’s cancer diagnosis in August 2023, fostering support and solidarity during a difficult time.
One particularly poignant moment came in September 2025, when the Dawson’s Creek cast organized a reunion to raise funds for Van Der Beek’s treatment. While Van Der Beek himself was unable to attend due to his health, his wife Kimberly and their six children were present, receiving a standing ovation from fans and friends alike. The event was a testament to the enduring bonds forged on set and the outpouring of love for the Van Der Beek family. Jackson later described the event as emotional, noting the "enormous" loss for the family and the community that rallied around them.
Van Der Beek’s illness and passing have also inspired Jackson to take action beyond personal remembrance. Deeply moved by his friend’s struggle and the awareness that many men avoid cancer screenings, Jackson partnered with AstraZeneca to create a public service announcement (PSA) encouraging early detection of colorectal cancer. The campaign, featuring the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty, aims to bring a touch of levity to a difficult subject while delivering a critical message. "I didn’t realize the number is 65% of people in our age cohort haven’t gone out and gotten tested," Jackson explained on Today. "We don’t like to go to the doctor. We don’t like to deal with this stuff. There are a lot of ways in your life that stiff upper lip thing can be helpful, but in this, it’s not helpful at all." He urged viewers to visit getbodychecked.com to find providers and get the information they need.
Jackson’s advocacy reflects a shift in perspective, driven by both personal loss and a sense of responsibility. "I think the testing and screening has gotten better, but it’s also true that the earlier you find something, the better your possible outcomes are," he said, emphasizing the importance of starting conversations about health that many men tend to avoid. Jackson’s openness about his own grief and his efforts to honor Van Der Beek’s memory through action have resonated with fans and the broader public, reinforcing the idea that vulnerability and strength can go hand in hand.
Looking back on their shared history, Jackson has made it clear that the bonds formed on Dawson’s Creek were unique and enduring. "There’s probably no other people in your life that you are that forged to," he reflected. "‘Cause you had to go through good and bad and ‘F--k you’ and ‘Don’t talk to me,’ and ‘I love you.’" Despite the ups and downs, the cast’s collective experience has left an indelible mark on their lives and on the hearts of fans around the world.
As the entertainment industry and fans alike continue to mourn the loss of James Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson’s heartfelt tributes and advocacy efforts serve as a reminder of the power of friendship, the importance of family, and the necessity of confronting difficult topics like cancer head-on. In honoring Van Der Beek’s legacy, Jackson not only keeps his friend’s memory alive but also encourages others to take steps that could save lives—a fitting tribute to a man remembered for his courage, faith, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.