Joshua Jackson shares an emotional message following the death of his former Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, calling the loss “enormous” for his family

10-Mar-2026: Actor Joshua Jackson has shared an emotional tribute following the death of his former co-star James Van Der Beek, remembering their years together and acknowledging the profound loss felt by the late actor’s loved ones.

Jackson, who starred alongside Van Der Beek on the beloved teen drama Dawson’s Creek, spoke publicly about the tragedy and reflected on the impact the actor had on those around him.

“The tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous,” Jackson said in a heartfelt statement, emphasizing that his thoughts are primarily with Van Der Beek’s wife and children.

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A Bond That Began on Dawson’s Creek

Joshua Jackson and James Van Der Beek rose to fame together in the late 1990s through their roles on Dawson’s Creek. The series followed a group of teenagers navigating friendship, romance and growing up in the fictional town of Capeside.

Van Der Beek played the introspective aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery, while Jackson portrayed fan-favorite Pacey Witter, a charming and rebellious character whose storylines became central to the show’s success.

The series ran for six seasons and became one of the defining teen dramas of its era. Over time, the cast developed strong personal bonds that extended beyond the screen.

For Jackson, those shared experiences made the loss especially difficult.

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Remembering a Friend and Co-Star

While speaking about Van Der Beek, Jackson reflected on the years they spent working together during their early careers.

The two actors filmed hundreds of scenes together and were often at the center of the show’s emotional storylines. Fans frequently debated the characters’ friendships and rivalries, which helped make the series a cultural phenomenon.

Jackson noted that working on the show was a formative time for everyone involved, and he expressed gratitude for the memories they created together.

Although he acknowledged the sadness surrounding the loss, he also spoke about the importance of remembering Van Der Beek’s kindness and talent.

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Focus on Family

In his message, Jackson made it clear that the most significant impact of Van Der Beek’s death is being felt by his family.

Van Der Beek was a devoted husband and father, and Jackson emphasized that his thoughts are with them as they navigate an incredibly difficult time.

“The tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous,” Jackson said, underscoring how deeply the actor’s absence will be felt by those closest to him.

Fans have also been sharing messages of support and sympathy online, remembering Van Der Beek not only for his acting but also for the personal moments he shared with followers over the years.

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Tributes from the Entertainment World

Following the news of Van Der Beek’s death, tributes began pouring in from across the entertainment industry.

Former co-stars, directors and fans have taken to social media to express their condolences and celebrate his contributions to television and film.

Many of these messages highlight how influential Dawson’s Creek was for an entire generation of viewers. The series helped launch several successful careers and remains a nostalgic favorite for audiences who grew up watching it.

Jackson’s tribute stands out because of the deep history he shared with Van Der Beek during their time on the show.

A Legacy That Lives On

Even years after the show ended, Dawson’s Creek continues to be rediscovered by new audiences through streaming platforms and reruns.

Van Der Beek’s performance as Dawson remains one of the most recognizable roles in teen drama history. His portrayal of the earnest and passionate young filmmaker helped shape the tone of the series and connect with viewers around the world.

For many fans, the friendships and relationships depicted in the show felt authentic and relatable — a testament to the chemistry among the cast.

As tributes continue to pour in, Jackson’s message serves as a reminder of the real-life friendships behind the scenes and the lasting impact Van Der Beek had on those who knew him.

FAQs

1. What did Joshua Jackson say about James Van Der Beek’s death?
Joshua Jackson expressed deep sadness and said that the tragedy of the loss for Van Der Beek’s family is “enormous.”

2. Did Joshua Jackson and James Van Der Beek work together?
Yes, they starred together on the popular teen drama Dawson’s Creek.

3. What role did James Van Der Beek play on Dawson’s Creek?
He played Dawson Leery, the main character of the series.

4. Who did Joshua Jackson play on the show?
Joshua Jackson portrayed Pacey Witter, one of the central characters.

5. Why is Dawson’s Creek still popular today?
The show remains popular because of its relatable characters, emotional storylines and nostalgic appeal for audiences who grew up watching it.