Joshua Jackson Remembers 'Dawson's Creek' Co-Star James Van Der Beek

The actor pays tribute to his late friend and co-star who died from cancer at age 48.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 8:20pm

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Joshua Jackson has made his first public comments about his 'Dawson's Creek' co-star James Van Der Beek, who died from cancer in February. Jackson spoke fondly of Van Der Beek, calling him 'a good man' who faced his illness 'with grace' and was a 'beautiful, kind, curious, interested, dedicated father'.

Why it matters

Joshua Jackson and James Van Der Beek starred together on the popular 90s teen drama 'Dawson's Creek' for six seasons, living together during filming. Their on-screen friendship translated to a real-life bond, making Van Der Beek's passing at age 48 from colorectal cancer particularly poignant for Jackson and their many fans.

The details

Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024 and died on February 11, 2026, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and their six young children. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $2.7 million to help cover the costs of Van Der Beek's medical care. Though Jackson and Van Der Beek fell out of touch after 'Dawson's Creek' ended, Jackson said they reconnected after Van Der Beek's diagnosis and that their time on the show was 'formative' for them both.

  • Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024.
  • Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026 at the age of 48.
  • 'Dawson's Creek' aired between 1998 and 2003.

The players

Joshua Jackson

An actor who starred alongside James Van Der Beek on the TV series 'Dawson's Creek', playing the role of Pacey Witter.

James Van Der Beek

An actor who starred as the titular character Dawson Leery on the TV series 'Dawson's Creek'. He died in 2026 at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

The wife of James Van Der Beek, who was left to mourn his passing and raise their six young children.

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What they’re saying

“The tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous. He became what we used to just call a good man. [A man with] 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.”

— Joshua Jackson

The takeaway

Joshua Jackson's heartfelt tribute to his former 'Dawson's Creek' co-star James Van Der Beek highlights the lasting impact of their on-screen friendship and the profound loss felt by Van Der Beek's family after his untimely passing from cancer at just 48 years old.