The loss of James Van Der Beek stunned fans worldwide. The actor, best known for his role in "Dawson's Creek", passed away on February 11, 2026, at age 48 after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. The soft-eyed star's death left behind a grieving family, longtime friends, and a generation of viewers who grew up watching him on television.
For weeks, one voice remained silent. Joshua Jackson, Van Der Beek’s co-star and longtime friend, had not spoken publicly about the tragedy. That changed on March 10, when Jackson sat down with Craig Melvin on NBC’s TODAY show for an emotional conversation that revealed just how deeply the loss had affected him.
A Friendship Forged on "Dawson's Creek"
Vanci / IG / Joshua Jackson and James Van Der Beek became household names in the late 1990s. Their roles on "Dawson's Creek" helped shape teen television and introduced millions of viewers to the fictional town of Capeside.
The series ran from 1998 to 2003 and helped launch the careers of its young cast.
The "Bobby" star, 47, explained during the interview that the show created strong bonds among the actors. The experience placed them in a unique position during their early careers. Long filming days and the sudden spotlight formed friendships that lasted long after the final episode aired.
Despite the fame that surrounded the series, Jackson made it clear that Van Der Beek’s true legacy existed outside Hollywood. He described their time on the show as an important chapter, but not the most meaningful one in his friend’s life. Jackson said he now views that period as a small part of a much larger story.
Grief Through the Eyes of a Father
Jackson’s words grew more emotional when he discussed how fatherhood has changed the way he processes the loss. The actor is now 47 and the father of a 5-year-old daughter. That life change has given him a different perspective on tragedy.
The "One Week" actor told Craig Melvin that the loss hits in many different ways. As a parent, he feels the heartbreak for Van Der Beek’s family on a much deeper level. He explained that thinking about six children growing up without their father adds a layer of grief he cannot ignore.
Jackson said that grief is not something that resolves quickly. He admitted that the process remains ongoing and complicated. The shock of losing a friend so young continues to settle in slowly.
The actor also spoke about Van Der Beek’s strength during his illness. He described his friend as someone who faced impossible circumstances with calm and grace. Jackson admired the way Van Der Beek focused on his family and faith while confronting cancer.
A Legacy Bigger Than Television
James / IG / Van Der Beek’s impact extended well beyond acting. After his diagnosis, he became an outspoken advocate for early cancer screenings.
Jackson’s appearance on TODAY connected directly to that message. The actor was there to discuss his involvement in the “Get Body Checked Against Cancer” campaign, a partnership between the National Hockey League and AstraZeneca. The campaign encourages people, especially men, to prioritize regular health screenings.
Jackson admitted that many men avoid discussing medical issues. He explained that the typical “tough it out” attitude can cause serious problems when it comes to health. According to him, ignoring symptoms or skipping checkups can lead to dangerous outcomes.
He stressed that early detection saves lives. Jackson said that hearing about Van Der Beek’s diagnosis made the issue feel personal and urgent. The experience forced him to reconsider his own approach to health and screenings.
During the interview, Jackson also reflected on a reunion event that brought together members of the "Dawson's Creek" cast in September of the previous year. The event raised funds for the nonprofit organization F Cancer and helped support Van Der Beek during his treatment.