Joshua Jackson Makes First Public Appearance Following Co-Star's Death
Joshua Jackson has been spotted in public for the first time since the devastating death of his Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek. Van Der Beek, aged 48, passed away on Wednesday following a two-year battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife and six children.
Jackson, who famously portrayed Pacey Witter - the best friend of Van Der Beek's character Dawson Leery - was seen leaving the celebrity hotspot Gigi's Baldi in Santa Monica just hours after the heartbreaking news emerged. The 47-year-old actor appeared tense and somber, dressed in a casual white cardigan with black trousers, and departed the restaurant alone.
Silence on Social Media Amidst Hollywood Tributes
Fans have observed that Jackson has remained quiet on social media platforms since Van Der Beek's passing, sharing no public tribute to his former co-star. This silence stands in contrast to the outpouring of grief from other Dawson's Creek cast members who have posted heartfelt messages online.
Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter on the iconic television series, shared a handwritten statement on Instagram remembering Van Der Beek for his "bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength," along with his "appreciation for life." She added: "I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it."
Busy Philipps, who joined Dawson's Creek in later seasons as Audrey Liddell, also paid tribute on Instagram, writing that her "heart is deeply hurting for all of us today." She acknowledged everyone who knew and loved Van Der Beek, including his friends, family, and fans, describing him as "one in a billion" who will be "forever missed."
Jackson's Historical Praise for Van Der Beek
Despite his current silence, Jackson has long held Van Der Beek in high regard. In an interview with Teen People ahead of the show's second season premiere in October 1998, Jackson spoke warmly about his co-star, saying: "He's the one everybody loves to love." He then joked about their differing popularity: "I don't have to worry about throngs of girls. That's more James's thing."
Michelle Williams, another original lead who played Jen Lindley, similarly praised Van Der Beek at the time, telling the outlet: "James has a Cary Grant quality." Like Jackson, Williams has yet to publicly address the loss.
Hollywood's Widespread Reaction
The tragedy has reverberated throughout Hollywood, with numerous celebrities sharing their condolences. Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the Legally Blonde prequel Elle in which Van Der Beek will posthumously appear, wrote that she was "devastated" by the news, describing him as "an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action."
Following the family's official announcement on Wednesday, more stars joined in sharing their sympathies. The statement read: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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."
Celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis all responded to the announcement with supportive gestures.
Support for the Van Der Beek Family
A GoFundMe page was launched on Wednesday to help support Van Der Beek's family, with an initial goal of $500,000. Kimberly Van Der Beek, who shares six children with James - daughters Olivia (15), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), and Gwendolyn (7), along with sons Joshua (13) and Jeremiah (4) - shared on her Instagram Stories: "My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart."
The fundraising page explained that contributions would "help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education." Within just one hour of the news breaking, more than $100,000 had already been raised, demonstrating the widespread support for the grieving family.
Van Der Beek had revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, bravely sharing his journey with the public while continuing to work on various projects, including his upcoming appearance in the Legally Blonde prequel.
