Joshua Jackson was seen in public for the first time since the shocking death of his Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek, 48, passed away on Wednesday after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife and six children.
Jackson, who famously played Pacey – Dawson’s (Van Der Beek) best friend – was spotted leaving the celebrity hotspot Gigi’s Baldi in Santa Monica, hours after the heartbreaking news broke.
The 47-year-old actor looked tense and somber in a casual white cardigan and black trousers, leaving the restaurant alone.
Fans have noted that Jackson has stayed quiet on social media since Van Der Beek’s passing, sharing no public tribute to his former costar.
At the same time, the tragedy reverberated across Hollywood, with countless Dawson’s Creek costars posting heartfelt tributes online, including Katie Holmes.
Joshua Jackson was seen in public for the first time since the shocking death of his Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek
Jackson, who famously played Pacey – Dawson’s (Van Der Beek) best friend – was spotted leaving the celebrity hotspot Gigi’s Baldi in Santa Monica, hours after the heartbreaking news broke
In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his ‘bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,’ as well as his ‘appreciation for life.’
‘I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,’ she added.
The actress captioned the post: ‘I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved.’
Busy Philipps, who joined Dawson’s Creek in its later seasons as Audrey Liddell, also paid tribute on Instagram.
She wrote that her ‘heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,’ acknowledging everyone who knew and loved him, including his friends, family, and fans.
Philipps went on to say she was ‘profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children,’ describing Van Der Beek as ‘one in a billion’ who will be ‘forever missed.’
She added, ‘I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years,’ reflecting on their bond both on and off screen.
Still, Jackson and Michelle Williams, one of the original four leads who played Jen Lindley, have yet to publicly address the loss.
Van Der Beek, 48, passed away on Wednesday after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer , leaving behind his wife and six children; (pictured May 2025)
Ahead of the show’s second season premiere in October 1998, Jackson spoke to Teen People about Van Der Beek, saying, ‘He’s the one everybody loves to love’
Van Der Beek’s death rocked Hollywood, with countless Dawson’s Creek costars sharing heartfelt tributes online, including Katie Holmes
Jackson, however, has long held Van Der Beek in high esteem.
Ahead of the show’s second season premiere in October 1998, Van Der Beek spoke to Teen People about how the series had affected his life – and Jackson also shared his thoughts.
‘He’s the one everybody loves to love,’ Jackson said.
He then joked, ‘I don’t have to worry about throngs of girls. That’s more James’s thing.’
Williams similarly praised Van Der Beek at the time, telling the outlet, ‘James has a Cary Grant quality.’
Other stars also reacted to Van Der Beek’s death.
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.
‘What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action,’ she added. ‘Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.’
In a hand-written statement posted on Instagram, Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his ‘bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,’ as well as his ‘appreciation for life’
Van Der Beek — who shares six kids with wife Kimberly — revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024; Pictured with his wife and kids in an Instagram snap
Following the family’s announcement on Wednesday, more stars joined in sharing condolences.
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.’
Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis all responded to the announcement with likes.
A GoFundMe page was also launched on Wednesday to help support Van Der Beek’s family, with a starting goal of $500,000.
Kimberly Van Der Beek, who shares daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four, with James, 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 page added: ‘Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.’
Within an hour of the news, more than $100,000 had already been raised.
