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Joshua Jackson Reflects on James Van Der Beek’s Passing, Urges Cancer Screening
New York, NY – Actor Joshua Jackson, known for his role in the hit series “Dawson’s Creek,” has publicly addressed the recent passing of his former co-star, James Van Der Beek, for the first time. In an exclusive interview on TODAY on March 10th, Jackson shared his ongoing grief and highlighted the importance of early cancer detection.
Van Der Beek passed away in February after battling colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he revealed in 2024. His death prompted an outpouring of sorrow from his “Dawson’s Creek” colleagues and fans alike.
“I think it hits in a variety of different ways,” Jackson stated, reflecting on the tragedy. “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.”
Jackson fondly recalled their shared time on set, describing it as a “very amazing time… and it was formational for us.” He added, “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.”
He continued to praise Van Der Beek’s character, emphasizing his personal growth beyond his acting career. “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,” Jackson said.
At 47, Jackson has partnered with the NHL and AstraZeneca for their “Get Body Checked Against Cancer” campaign, advocating for the critical role of cancer screenings. “I’m at the age, right?
Like so many people, my family has been touched by cancer,” he explained regarding 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.”
Jackson stressed the urgency of seeking early treatment, noting a common reluctance among men to address health issues. “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,” he urged.
Van Der Beek himself became a vocal advocate for cancer screening after his diagnosis. He participated in a prerecorded video for the nonprofit F Cancer when he missed a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion last September due to stomach issues, and he served as a paid spokesperson for Guardant Health, a company offering a blood test for colon cancer screening.
According to the American Cancer Society, individuals with an average risk of colon cancer should begin screening at age 45, with those at increased risk starting earlier. Van Der Beek shared his own experience with TODAY.com in July, stating, “I got screened at 46.
I didn’t realize they had dropped it to 45. I thought I was way ahead of the game.”
He concluded with a crucial message: “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.”