Joshua Jackson made his first public feedback on the loss of life of his Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek and described his mourning as an “ongoing” course of practically one month after his loss of life.
“I imply, I believe it hits in a wide range of other ways,” Jackson stated throughout an look on the Right this moment present Tuesday. “For me as a father now, I believe the enormity of the tragedy for his household hits in a really completely different method than simply as a colleague, so I believe the method is simply ongoing.”
Jackson mirrored on the “very wonderful time” he spent co-starring with Van Der Beek on six seasons of Dawson’s Creek from 1998 by means of 2003.
“He and I shared this very wonderful time at a really younger level in our lives … and it was formational for us,” Jackson stated of their Dawson’s Creek days. “I do know each of us look again on that point with nice fondness, however I will even say that I do know that I’m actually only a footnote in what he truly achieved in his life.”
From left: James Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson, 1998-2003.
Fred Norris / ©Columbia TriStar Tv/Courtesy Everett Assortment
“He turned what we used to simply name a superb man, a person of the form of perception, the form of religion that allowed him to face the unimaginable with grace, an unbelievable associate and husband, only a actual man who confirmed up for his household and a wonderful, form, curious, , devoted father,” Jackson added.
Get breaking Nationwide information
Get breaking Canada information delivered to your inbox because it occurs so you will not miss a trending story.
Jackson stated Van Der Beek’s nice qualities made his loss of life even tougher to cope with.
“On the one hand, that’s stunning,” he continued. “I believe he did lead an excellent life and he was a superb man; the tragedy of that loss for his household is big.”
Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11 on the age of 48, simply over a 12 months after being recognized with Stage 3 colorectal most cancers.
Van Der Beek’s spouse Kimberly introduced his loss of life in an Instagram submit, writing, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek handed peacefully this morning. He met his last days with braveness, religion, and beauty.”
“There may be a lot to share concerning his needs, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. These days will come. For now, we ask for peaceable privateness as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and buddy,” the assertion continued.
Following Van Der Beek’s loss of life, buddies of the late Varsity Blues actor created a GoFundMe web page for his spouse and their six youngsters.
Kimberly shared the hyperlink to the fundraising web page on her Instagram tales, writing, “My buddies created this hyperlink to assist me and our youngsters throughout this time. With gratitude and a damaged coronary heart.”
The GoFundMe web page stated the Van Der Beek household “confronted not solely emotional challenges but in addition vital monetary pressure as they did every thing attainable to assist James and supply for his care” all through his sickness.
The Van Der Beek household is asking for the “assist of buddies, household, and the broader neighborhood” as they navigate the street forward. Donations to the web page will assist cowl “important dwelling bills, pay payments, and assist the youngsters’s training.”
The GoFundMe submit had raised greater than US$2.6 million of its $1.5-million purpose from greater than 50,000 donations.
A number of notable individuals in Hollywood have donated to the marketing campaign, together with director Steven Spielberg, who donated $25,000, and Oscar-winning actor Zoe Saldana, who donated $2,500 on a month-to-month foundation.
“Each donation, regardless of the scale, will assist Kimberly and her household discover hope and safety as they rebuild their lives,” the web page reads.
Katie Holmes, who co-starred with Van Der Beek and Jackson, shared a handwritten letter to the late actor on Instagram final month.
“James Thanks. To share area along with your creativeness is sacred — respiration the identical air within the land of make consider and trusting that every others’ hearts are secure of their expression… These are a few of the recollections, together with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a singular youth,” Holmes wrote.
“I shaped some phrases with a heavy coronary heart. This can be a lot to course of. I’m so grateful to have shared in a chunk of James’ journey. He’s beloved. Kimberly, we love you and might be right here at all times for you and your stunning youngsters,” she wrote within the caption of her submit.
© 2026 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.