Joshua Jackson Steps Out in Santa Monica After Death of Dawson’s Creek Co Star James Van Der Beek Shocks Hollywood

Hollywood was still processing the loss of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek when his longtime co-star Joshua Jackson stepped out in public for the first time since the news broke.

Jackson, 47, was photographed leaving celebrity favorite Gigi’s Baldi in Santa Monica just hours after Van Der Beek’s death was confirmed.

Dressed simply in a white cardigan and black trousers, he looked subdued and kept to himself as he exited the restaurant alone.

Fans quickly noticed something else — silence.

Jackson has not posted a tribute on social media, at least not yet.

And in moments like this, people tend to look for public words, even when grief is often private.

The Loss That Shook a Generation of Fans

Van Der Beek passed away at 48 after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer.

He leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

For many, he will forever be Dawson Leery — the earnest, emotional heart of Dawson’s Creek.

The series, which aired from 1998 to 2003, didn’t just launch careers — it shaped late ‘90s teen television.

Van Der Beek, Jackson, Katie Holmes, and Michelle Williams became household names almost overnight.

While the show wrapped more than two decades ago, its cast has remained loosely connected, often reflecting fondly on the intense years they shared navigating sudden fame.

Tributes Pour In Across Hollywood

As news of Van Der Beek’s passing spread, tributes flooded social media.

Holmes, who played Joey Potter, shared a handwritten note on Instagram describing him as brave, compassionate, and deeply appreciative of life.

She wrote about the difficulty of processing the loss, adding that she felt grateful to have shared part of his journey.

Busy Philipps, who joined the show in later seasons as Audrey, expressed heartbreak for Van Der Beek’s wife and children.

She called him “one in a billion” and reflected on their long friendship both on and off screen.

Outside the Dawson’s Creek family, tributes also came from stars like Reese Witherspoon, who described him as extraordinarily talented and gracious.

Several other celebrities — including Jennifer Garner and Sarah Michelle Gellar — quietly signaled their condolences online.

Yet notably absent from public statements so far are Jackson and Williams, two of the original four leads.

A Bond That Went Back to 1998

The absence of a public tribute doesn’t necessarily mean distance.

Jackson once openly praised Van Der Beek during the show’s early years.

Ahead of the second season premiere in 1998, he joked in an interview that Van Der Beek was “the one everybody loves to love.”

Williams once compared him to Cary Grant — a reflection of how highly his co-stars regarded him even in their early 20s.

The cast grew up together under the spotlight.

Fame came fast, and with it, intense scrutiny.

For many fans, seeing them mourn now feels personal.

A Family Facing the Unthinkable

Van Der Beek’s family released a statement confirming he passed peacefully, describing his final days as filled with courage, faith, and grace. They asked for privacy as they grieve.

His wife Kimberly later shared a GoFundMe page created by friends to support her and their six children — Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua, and Jeremiah.

The fundraiser set an initial goal of $500,000 to help with living expenses and education costs.

Within an hour of going live, it had already raised more than $100,000, reflecting just how beloved he was.

Van Der Beek had been candid in recent years about his health battle, speaking about the emotional toll of cancer while also expressing gratitude for time with his family.

A Career Beyond Capeside

While many associate him with Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek’s career stretched far beyond the creekside docks.

He appeared in films like Varsity Blues, leaned into self-aware comedy in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, and more recently took on projects that allowed him to step behind the scenes creatively.

Friends often described him as grounded — someone who prioritized family over the constant churn of Hollywood.

What’s Next?

In the coming days, more tributes are likely to surface as colleagues and friends find their words.

A memorial service may be announced once the family feels ready.

Industry insiders expect networks and streaming platforms to honor Van Der Beek with retrospective features or tribute programming celebrating his impact on teen drama television.

There’s also growing conversation among fans about whether the surviving cast members of Dawson’s Creek might reunite privately to honor their friend.

For now, the focus remains on his family — and the quiet space they’ve requested to grieve.

Summary

Joshua Jackson was seen in Santa Monica for the first time since the death of his former Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, who passed away at 48 following a two-year battle with colorectal cancer.

While tributes from Katie Holmes, Busy Philipps, Reese Witherspoon, and others flooded social media, Jackson has remained publicly silent.

Van Der Beek leaves behind his wife Kimberly and six children, with a GoFundMe page launched to support the family already drawing significant donations.

As Hollywood mourns, fans remember the actor not only for his iconic role as Dawson Leery but also for the grace and resilience he showed throughout his life and illness.