Joshua Jackson is speaking out one month after the death of his Dawson's Creek costar James Van Der Beek.

During an appearance on the Today show on Tuesday (March 10), Jackson opened up about the "tragedy" of Van Der Beek's death. The late actor passed away at 48 following a battle with cancer, per E! News.

"I think it hits in a variety of different ways," he said. "For me as a father now, the enormity of that tragedy hits me in a very different way than just as a colleague, so I think the processing is ongoing."

Jackson and Van Der Beek found fame starring on Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003, portraying Pacey Witter and Dawson Leery, respectively, on the beloved teen drama alongside fellow cast mates like Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams.

"He and I shared this amazing time at a very young point in our lives," Jackson said. "I know both of us look back at that time with great fondness, but I will also say that I know I'm really just a footnote in what he accomplished in his life."

The Doctor Odyssey actor praised his late costar for being a "good man" and stronghold of his family. Van Der Beek shared six children with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.

"He became what we used to just call a 'good man,' a man of the kind of belief, the kind of faith that allowed him to face the impossible with grace, an unbelievable partner and husband, right? Just a real man who showed up for his family and a beautiful, kind, curious, interested, dedicated father," he said. "And so while on the one hand that's beautiful and I think he did lead a very good life and he was a good man, it is also, the tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous."

Van Der Beek's family confirmed in a statement on Instagram on February 11 that he had "passed peacefully." He was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and shared his diagnosis publicly in November 2024.

"He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," they wrote. "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."

In honor of what would have been his 49th birthday on Sunday (March 8), Kimberly shared a video of their daughter Emilia remembering her dad and giving "little tips" to help others who may be grieving the loss of a loved one.

Rob Powers