Joshua Jackson Speaks Out on James Van Der Beek's Tragic Passing
Joshua Jackson has publicly addressed the death of his former Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, who passed away at age 48 on February 11 after a two-year battle with stage III colorectal cancer. In an emotional interview with TODAY on Tuesday, the 47-year-old Canadian actor shared his heartfelt reflections on the loss.
A Father's Perspective on Tragedy
Jackson expressed that the news hits in multiple ways, particularly from his viewpoint as a parent. "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," he stated. "So I think the processing is ongoing." Jackson is father to a soon-to-be six-year-old daughter, Juno Rose Diana Jackson, from his five-year marriage to actress Jodie Turner-Smith, which ended last year.
Praising Van Der Beek's Character and Legacy
The Actor Award nominee described Van Der Beek as evolving into "what we used to just call a good man." He elaborated, "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."
Family and Financial Support Details
Van Der Beek is survived by his widow, Kimberly Brook, and their six children:
- Olivia, 15
- Joshua, 13
- Annabel, 12
- Emilia, nine
- Gwendolyn, seven
- Jeremiah, four
A GoFundMe campaign organized by family friends has raised an impressive $2,755,015, surpassing its $1.5 million goal through 51,000 donations. The funds are intended to help cover essential living expenses, medical bills, and support the children's education.
Shared History on Dawson's Creek
Jackson and Van Der Beek, a Varsity Blues alum, famously portrayed best friends Pacey Witter and Dawson Leery on The WB teen soap Dawson's Creek for six seasons from 1998 to 2003. Reflecting on their time together, Jackson said, "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." Jackson, who also produces and stars in Doctor Odyssey, emphasized Van Der Beek's broader achievements beyond their shared screen history.
