Dawson's Creek Star Joshua Jackson Spotted After James Van Der Beek's Death

Jackson was photographed leaving a restaurant in Santa Monica, California, just hours after news broke of his former co-star's passing.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Joshua Jackson was spotted for the first time since the death of his Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek. Jackson, 47, was photographed leaving a restaurant in Santa Monica, California, on Wednesday, February 11, just hours after news broke that Van Der Beek had died at age 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.

Why it matters

The Dawson's Creek cast has remained close over the years, and Jackson's outing marks the first time he has been seen publicly since the death of his longtime friend and co-star Van Der Beek. The two actors portrayed best friends Pacey Witter and Dawson Leery on the hit '90s teen drama, and their characters' bond was a central part of the show.

The details

Jackson was seen wearing a cream cardigan, white tee, black pants and white sneakers as he left the restaurant alone. The actor's hair appeared casual with visible gray hairs, and he also had a beard and facial hair on his chin that was a mix of gray and brown. Jackson had a slight smile on his face as the cameras caught him, but he overall appeared somber in nature.

  • On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Joshua Jackson was photographed leaving Gigi's Baldi restaurant in Santa Monica, California.
  • On the same day, February 11, 2026, news broke that James Van Der Beek had died at age 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.

The players

Joshua Jackson

A 47-year-old actor best known for playing Pacey Witter on the hit '90s teen drama Dawson's Creek, which also starred his late co-star James Van Der Beek.

James Van Der Beek

An actor who portrayed the titular character Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek and passed away at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.

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What they’re saying

“I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together. I can't believe I'm not there. I can't believe I don't get to see my castmates, my beautiful cast in person. And I just want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight.”

— James Van Der Beek (Dawson's Creek* reunion event)

“James, thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and trusting that each other's hearts are safe in their expression. These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth … Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a hero. I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it. To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.”

— Katie Holmes, Dawson's Creek Co-Star (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

The Dawson's Creek cast has remained close over the years, and Joshua Jackson's somber outing after the death of his longtime friend and co-star James Van Der Beek highlights the deep bond the actors shared from their time on the iconic '90s teen drama.