Nearly one month after the tragic passing of James Van Der Beek, his Dawson’s Creek costar Joshua Jackson has broken his silence. During an emotional appearance on the Today show on Tuesday, March 10, Jackson reflected on his friend’s legacy as a “good man” and a devoted father.
Van Der Beek died at the age of 48 following a courageous journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, ages 4 to 15.
A Formative Bond and a “Good Man”
Speaking with Craig Melvin, Jackson, 47, noted that his perspective on the loss has been deeply shaped by his own experience as a parent to his 5-year-old daughter, Juno.
“For me as a father now, the enormity of that tragedy hits me in a very different way than just as a colleague,” Jackson shared. While their time on Dawson’s Creek was formative for both actors, Jackson insisted that his own role in Van Der Beek’s life was minor compared to the late actor’s personal achievements.
“He became what we used to call a ‘good man’… a beautiful, kind, curious, interested, dedicated father. While that’s beautiful, the tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous.”
Honoring Van Der Beek with a Call to Action
To turn his grief into a legacy of prevention, Jackson has partnered with AstraZeneca for a new Public Service Announcement (PSA). The campaign aims to raise awareness about early detection and encourages everyone to follow the latest colorectal cancer screening guidelines, which now suggest starting at age 45.
The Staggering Reality of Screening Gaps
Jackson highlighted a concerning statistic: 65% of people in his age cohort have not yet been tested.
- The Goal: To remove the stigma and fear surrounding screenings.
- The Resource: Jackson urged men to visit getbodychecked.com to find local providers and answer common questions.
- The Message: “The earlier you find something, the better your possible outcomes are,” Jackson explained. Understanding the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer is a critical first step for those in their 40s.
Support from the Dawson’s Creek Family
The outpouring of love for Van Der Beek has extended across the entertainment industry. Recently, legendary director Steven Spielberg reportedly donated to a GoFundMe for the actor’s family, while costars Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams have shared their own heartfelt tributes.
Fans looking to support the family or learn more about the cause can visit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance for additional resources and community support.
Also Read : Hilary Duff Reveals Family Rifts: “My Sister and I Don’t Speak”
