Joshua Jackson Opens Up About James Van Der Beek's Legacy in Emotional Interview
Joshua Jackson has shared heartfelt reflections on his "formational" friendship with his late Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, while simultaneously launching a significant new campaign for cancer awareness. The actor made his first public comments regarding Van Der Beek's passing during an emotional interview that aired Tuesday on NBC's Today show, candidly admitting that his "processing" of the profound loss remains "ongoing."
A Friendship That Shaped a Generation
"I think it hits in a variety of different ways," Jackson explained thoughtfully. "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." Jackson and Van Der Beek endeared themselves to an entire generation of television viewers through their iconic roles as Pacey Witter and Dawson Leery, respectively, on the beloved teen dramedy Dawson's Creek, which originally aired from 1998 through 2003. The two actors maintained a positive relationship over the years and reunited publicly on multiple occasions, showcasing their enduring bond.
Remembering a "Good Man" and Dedicated Father
During his poignant Today interview, Jackson expressed that he continues to look back on the time spent with Van Der Beek both on and off the set with "great fondness," but humbly added: "I know that I'm really just a footnote in what he actually accomplished in his life." He elaborated further, saying, "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. The tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous."
James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, a little more than one year after publicly revealing his colorectal cancer diagnosis. He was 48 years old. The heartbreaking news prompted an outpouring of condolences from numerous colleagues, including fellow Dawson's Creek stars Katie Holmes, Kerr Smith, and Michelle Williams.
Launching the "Get Body Checked Against Cancer" Campaign
Jackson, whose recent acting credits include The Affair and Doctor Odyssey, now aims to honor Van Der Beek's memory by participating in the new "Get Body Checked Against Cancer" campaign from the National Hockey League and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. In this initiative, he appears alongside the Philadelphia Flyers' popular mascot, Gritty, to promote cancer awareness and early detection.
"I'm at the age, right? Like so many people, my family has been touched by cancer," the 47-year-old actor stated. "Obviously, when James got his diagnosis, and now I'm thinking about a contemporary of mine going through something like this." Jackson emphasized a crucial message about men's health, noting, "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."
Through this campaign and his personal reflections, Joshua Jackson not only pays tribute to his dear friend but also advocates for greater awareness and proactive health measures in the fight against cancer.
