James Van Der Beek and Joshua Jackson on ‘Dawson’s Creek’
Credit: Everett
Joshua Jackson says mourning his late Dawson’s Creek costar James Van Der Beek is an “ongoing” process that continues to affect him in multiple ways.
The Happy Hours star addressed the passing of his former costar for the first time since Van Der Beek’s death nearly a month ago at 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer during an interview on the Today show Tuesday.
“I think it hits in a variety of different ways,” Jackson told host Craig Melvin. “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 is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
Jackson is a father to daughter Juno with ex-wife Jodie Turner-Smith, whom they welcomed in April 2020.
Michelle Williams and James Van Der Beek on ‘Dawson’s Creek’
Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection
While reflecting on the “very amazing time” costarring on all six seasons of the seminal WB teen drama from 1998-2003 alongside Van Der Beek, the Fringe star shared that the experience was “formational” for both stars who quickly became household names over the show’s airing. “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 added.
“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 shared.
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Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11, Kimberly announced in a statement on his social media accounts.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” her statement said. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Following his death, the official Dawson’s Creek account paid tribute to its star on social media by sharing a throwback photo of Van Der Beek with a caption that read, “His iconic portrayal of Dawson Leery helped define a generation of television for fans and continues to resonate with audiences today. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
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