Joshua Jackson Spotted for the First Time Since James Van Der Beek’s Passing in Dawson Creek
Joshua Jackson was seen for the first time following the passing of his Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek.
Jackson, 47, was photographed exiting Gigi’s Baldi restaurant in Santa Monica, California, on Wednesday, February 11, just hours after the news of Van Der Beek’s death at age 48 broke.
He was dressed in a cream cardigan, white tee, black pants, and white sneakers with black stripes as he left the restaurant alone, as captured in a photo shared by Us Weekly on Thursday, February 12.
The actor sported casual hair, with gray strands visible around his face among his otherwise brunette locks. The Doctor Odyssey star had a beard and facial hair that also appeared a mix of gray and brown colors.
A slight smile crossed Jackson’s face as he walked by with his wallet in hand, though he generally appeared somber.
This outing came the same day Van Der Beek’s family confirmed his passing after a battle with stage III colorectal cancer, which he had revealed in November 2024.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” his family shared in an Instagram statement on Wednesday. “We have much to share about his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those details will come. For now, we seek peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office in Texas confirmed that Van Der Beek was pronounced dead at 6:44 a.m. on Wednesday.
While Jackson has not publicly commented on Van Der Beek’s death, the two have been part of each other’s lives for decades.
Jackson and Van Der Beek played best friends Pacey Witter and Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, which aired on The WB from 1998 to 2003. The show’s core cast also included Katie Holmes as Joey Potter, whom both Pacey and Dawson loved, and Michelle Williams as Jen Lindley, a New York transplant.
Though both Jackson and Van Der Beek enjoyed successful careers after their time in Capeside, Van Der Beek revealed in March 2025 that they had reconnected amid his cancer treatment.
“I’ve gotten in touch with them recently, and it’s been so nice,” he said during an appearance on the “Whine Down” podcast. “It’s great to catch up and see who they are now after all these years and to share our special experiences from the past. It’s been lovely.”
In the following month, Jackson provided an update on Van Der Beek’s health during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show.
“The last I heard — it’s not entirely my story to tell, but the latest round of treatment seemed to be going well,” Jackson shared in April 2025. “He’s feeling a little better, but it’s an obviously very scary situation.”
Jackson added, “Yeah, thoughts, prayers, and anything that can be done for him and his family — he has a large, young family.”
The Dawson’s Creek cast came together in September 2025 for a one-night-only charity event in New York City where they read the show’s pilot to raise money for the nonprofit organization F Cancer, honoring Van Der Beek in the process. (Jackson also reunited with Holmes in 2025 to film a new movie trilogy where they portrayed love interests.)
Jackson was present to celebrate the show’s legacy and support Van Der Beek, who could not attend due to illness. Van Der Beek, however, recorded a heartfelt message for his co-stars and fans that was shared with the audience.
“I was looking forward to this night for many months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together. I can’t believe I’m not there, and that I can’t see my beautiful castmates in person,” Van Der Beek said at the time. “I want to express my gratitude to everyone in the theater for being present tonight.”
Following his passing, Van Der Beek’s former castmates and fans offered their support to his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children by contributing to a GoFundMe set up by friends of Kimberly.
James has been commemorated through social media tributes, including a handwritten letter from Holmes, 47, shared via Instagram on Thursday.
“James, thank you. Sharing space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in a world of make-believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in expression,” Holmes wrote about her late friend and colleague. “These are some of the memories, alongside laughter and heart-to-heart conversations about life and James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth you’ve gifted us.”
She continued, “Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live with integrity — creating a beautiful marriage and raising six loving children — is the journey of a true hero.”
“I mourn this loss while holding the reality of his absence and immense gratitude for his legacy,” the actress, who grew up with both James and Jackson, added. “To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always and will forever shower you with love and compassion.”
