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

Jackson calls Van Der Beek's death a 'tragedy' for his family and partners with AstraZeneca to promote cancer screenings in his memory.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Nearly a month after the tragic death of his 'Dawson's Creek' co-star James Van Der Beek, actor Joshua Jackson is speaking out for the first time. In a 'Today' show interview, Jackson reflected on Van Der Beek's legacy, calling him a devoted husband, father and 'good man.' To honor his late friend, Jackson has partnered with AstraZeneca on a PSA encouraging cancer screenings and raising awareness about early detection.

Why it matters

Van Der Beek's death at age 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer has deeply impacted his former co-star and friend Joshua Jackson. Jackson is using his platform to promote the importance of cancer screenings, as he notes that nearly 65% of people in their age cohort have not gotten tested or started the conversation about their health.

The details

In the 'Today' show interview, Jackson spoke about the 'enormity of that tragedy' for Van Der Beek's family, especially as a father himself. He praised Van Der Beek as a 'good man' and 'unbelievable partner and husband' who showed up for his family. To honor Van Der Beek's memory, Jackson has partnered with AstraZeneca on a PSA featuring the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty to encourage cancer screenings and early detection.

  • Van Der Beek died at age 48 after a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
  • Jackson appeared on the 'Today' show on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 to reflect on Van Der Beek's legacy.

The players

Joshua Jackson

An actor best known for his role on the TV series 'Dawson's Creek', where he co-starred with the late James Van Der Beek.

James Van Der Beek

An actor who starred on 'Dawson's Creek' alongside Joshua Jackson and passed away at age 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

James Van Der Beek's wife, with whom he had six children.

AstraZeneca

A pharmaceutical company that has partnered with Joshua Jackson on a PSA to promote cancer screenings and early detection.

Gritty

The Philadelphia Flyers mascot who is featured in the PSA with Joshua Jackson.

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What they’re saying

“I think it hits in a variety of different ways. For me as a father now, the enormity of that tragedy hits me in a very different way than just as a colleague, so I think the processing is ongoing.”

— Joshua Jackson, Actor (Today)

“He became what we used to just call a 'good man,' 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, right? Just a real man who showed up for his family and a beautiful, kind, curious, interested, dedicated father. And so while on the one hand that's beautiful and I think he did lead a very good life and he was a good man, it is also, the tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous.”

— Joshua Jackson, Actor (Today)

What’s next

Joshua Jackson plans to continue working with AstraZeneca on the cancer screening PSA to honor his late friend James Van Der Beek's legacy and raise awareness about the importance of early detection.

The takeaway

Joshua Jackson's heartfelt tribute to his 'Dawson's Creek' co-star James Van Der Beek highlights the profound impact of losing a friend and colleague, especially one who was a devoted family man. By partnering on a cancer screening PSA, Jackson is using his platform to encourage others to prioritize their health and honor Van Der Beek's memory.