Joshua Jackson has publicly addressed the passing of his Dawson's Creek co-star, James Van Der Beek, for the first time in an exclusive interview on NBC's Today show on March 10. The actor shared heartfelt reflections on the tragedy and its personal impact.
Processing Grief and Personal Connections
"I think it hits in a variety of different ways," Jackson said during the interview. "For me as a father now, I think the enormity of that tragedy for his family hits me in a very different way than just as a colleague. So I think the processing is ongoing."
Van Der Beek died in February, leading to an outpouring of grief from the Dawson's Creek community and fans worldwide.
Remembering a Formative Time
"He and I shared this very amazing time ... and it was formational for us," Jackson continued on TODAY. "I know both of us look back on that time with great fondness, but I will also say that I know that I'm really just a footnote in what he actually accomplished in his life."
Jackson praised Van Der Beek's character, adding, "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, just a real man who showed up for his family and a beautiful, kind, curious, interested, dedicated father."
Cancer Diagnosis and Advocacy Efforts
Van Der Beek revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which spurred him to become an advocate for cancer screening. He filmed a prerecorded video for a Dawson's Creek reunion last September to raise funds for the nonprofit F Cancer and served as a paid spokesperson for Guardant Health, a company offering blood tests for colon cancer screening.
Jackson, 47, has partnered with the NHL and AstraZeneca as part of the pharmaceutical company's Get Body Checked Against Cancer campaign, which emphasizes the critical importance of early cancer screening.
Personal Motivation for Involvement
"I'm at the age, right? Like so many people, my family has been touched by cancer," Jackson explained about his involvement. "Obviously, when James got his diagnosis, and now I'm thinking about a contemporary of mine going through something like this, and when the AstraZeneca folks reached out, I also have a lifelong connection to hockey."
He stressed the urgency of seeking medical attention promptly. "Guys don't like to talk about this. We don't like to go to the doctor, we don't like to deal with this stuff. And I know a lot of ways in your life, like that stiff upper lip thing can be helpful, but in this it's not helpful at all," Jackson added.
Screening Guidelines and Early Detection
According to the American Cancer Society, individuals with an average risk of colon cancer should begin screening at age 45, while those with increased risk should start earlier. Van Der Beek shared his own experience in a July interview with TODAY.com, saying, "I got screened at 46. I didn't realise they had dropped it to 45. I thought I was way ahead of the game."
He urged others to prioritize screenings, noting, "Even just the slightest little change, it could be something, but ... don't think that not having symptoms means you don't have to get screened, especially for something that is this curable when caught early. That's really what I want to get across."
This story highlights the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention and the personal tributes to a beloved actor's legacy.
