The actor shares how his former co-star’s death affected him.

Joshua Jackson Opens Up About Grief

March 10, 2026 – Joshua Jackson is speaking publicly about the death of his Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, describing the loss as deeply emotional. The actor said the grief has affected him in “a variety of different ways,” particularly as he reflects on Van Der Beek’s family and the life he built outside of acting.

Jackson explained that the tragedy of losing his longtime colleague has been difficult to process, noting that the impact feels different now that he is a parent himself.

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Remembering a Dawson’s Creek Friendship

Jackson and Van Der Beek starred together on the popular teen drama Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. They portrayed close friends Pacey Witter and Dawson Leery and even lived together during parts of the show’s production in North Carolina.

Their shared experience on the series helped build a strong bond that lasted long after the show ended.

Image Credit: Getty Images

A Devastating Loss for His Family

During his remarks, Jackson emphasized that the most heartbreaking part of the loss is the impact on Van Der Beek’s wife and children. He described the situation as an enormous tragedy for the actor’s family and acknowledged that grieving such a loss takes time.

Van Der Beek died in February 2026 at age 48 after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he had previously shared publicly.

Image Credit: James Van Der Beek/Instagram

Tributes From the Entertainment Community

Following the news of his passing, many actors and colleagues shared tributes honoring Van Der Beek’s career and personality. Co-stars and fellow performers praised his kindness, professionalism, and the lasting influence of his work on television.

Fans also revisited memorable moments from Dawson’s Creek, celebrating the legacy he left behind.

Image Credit: AP Photo

Final Thoughts

Joshua Jackson’s reflections highlight the deep personal connections formed during long-running television productions. As the entertainment community continues to remember James Van Der Beek, his legacy as an actor, husband, and father remains an important part of how friends and fans honor his life.

FAQs

Q1: What did Joshua Jackson say about James Van Der Beek?
He said the grief from his death hits him “in a variety of different ways.”

Q2: Why did the loss affect Jackson deeply?
He said thinking about the tragedy for Van Der Beek’s family has been especially difficult.

Q3: What show did they star in together?
Both actors appeared in the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek.

Q4: How did James Van Der Beek die?
He passed away in February 2026 after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer.

Q5: How old was James Van Der Beek when he died?
He was 48 years old.