Joshua Jackson honors James Van Der Beek in heartfelt first comments after actor’s death

Joshua Jackson publicly reflected on the passing of his Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek during an appearance on NBC’s Today show on Tuesday, March 10. Van Der Beek, who tragically passed away at 48 after a fight with stage 3 colorectal cancer, is survived by his spouse, Kimberly, and their six children.

When inquired by Craig Melvin, “Have you processed the loss of your friend and fellow costar?” Jackson stated, “I think it hits in a variety of different ways. And so, for me, as a father now, I think 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.” (Jackson shares his daughter, Juno, with his ex-wife, Jodie Turner-Smith.)

Remembering Van Der Beek’s Life

Melvin remembered that when he talked with Van Der Beek in December 2025, the actor appeared to be “at peace” with his life and wellness. Jackson cited that their time together on Dawson’s Creek was just “a footnote in what he actually accomplished in his life.”

He admired his friend, mentioning, “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, and unbelievable partner and husband, just a real man who showed up for his family, and a beautiful, kind, curious, interested, dedicated father. And so, while on the one hand, that’s beautiful, and I think he did lead a very good life and he was a good man, it is also the tragedy of that, that loss for his family is enormous.”

Honoring Van Der Beek Through Awareness

Inspired by Van Der Beek’s cancer journey, Jackson partnered with AstraZeneca to encourage people to get screened. He cited, “I’m at the age [for screenings]. Like so many people, my family has been touched by cancer. 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 and I didn’t realize the number is 65 percent of people in our age cohort [that] haven’t gone out and gotten tested, haven’t started the conversation. So, that’s where the idea started.”

The campaign showcases Jackson along with the Philadelphia Flyers mascot, Gritty, in a playful doctor’s office scenario. While Gritty anticipates talking about hockey and Philly cheesesteaks, Jackson directs the conversation toward cancer awareness. He describes, “Did you know people are getting diagnosed younger and younger? And if you watched me on your screens when I was a kid and you were a kid, then you should be talking to your doctor about which cancer screenings might be right for you.” Audiences are encouraged to visit getbodychecked.com for guidance.

Importance of Early Screening

On Today, Jackson emphasized the challenge of discussing cancer, citing, “It’s kind of scary. And so, one of the things that I think is so great about the getbodychecked.com website is that not only will it give you providers in your area, it also gives you a list of questions just to get the conversation started, ‘cause I think it’s so hard. Nobody wants to walk into the doctor’s office and get into these conversations.”

He further said: “The testing and screening has gotten better, so we have more available options. But it is also true, the earlier you find something, the better your possible outcomes are.”

FAQs:

Q1. Who was James Van Der Beek?
James Van Der Beek was an American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek. He was admired for his work both on-screen and as a devoted family man.

Q2. How did Joshua Jackson respond to Van Der Beek’s death?
Jackson expressed his grief publicly on Today, highlighting the personal and family impact of the loss. He praised Van Der Beek’s character, calling him a “good man” and devoted father.