Joshua Jackson has recently opened up about the profound impact of the death of his friend and former co-star, James Van Der Beek, who passed away on February 11th after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. In a conversation with PEOPLE, Jackson reflected on their deep friendship, sharing the difficulties he has faced since Van Der Beek’s passing.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/joshua-jackson-james-vanderbeek-2015-TCA-031026-94a97b2950c14fadb1952fce96e688be.jpg)
The two stars shared a significant chapter in their lives while working together on the iconic series, *Dawson’s Creek*. Jackson reminisced about this period, stating, “He and I shared this very important moment in both of our lives.” He described their time on the show as a meaningful experience that shaped their careers and lives. However, he also emphasised that this was just a small part of the remarkable person Van Der Beek became throughout his life.
Jackson admired Van Der Beek’s unwavering faith and his grace in dealing with his diagnosis and the challenges that came with it. He acknowledged the actor’s dedication to being a loving husband and an exceptional father, highlighting qualities that defined Van Der Beek’s legacy. “And the pain that I feel in this is recognising this man, recognising this father,” Jackson expressed, indicating that the loss resonated deeply not only for him but also for Van Der Beek’s family.
The emotional toll of Van Der Beek’s illness and subsequent death has prompted Jackson to advocate for cancer awareness and early detection. He recounted how becoming aware of his friend’s battle with cancer heightened his own understanding of the importance of regular screenings. “It is shocking when it’s your cohort of people,” he remarked, acknowledging that they are now at an age where such health issues have become a stark reality.
As part of his efforts to raise awareness, Jackson is collaborating with AstraZeneca and the NHL to promote the “Get Body Checked Against Cancer” campaign, which focuses on encouraging individuals to undergo cancer screenings. He expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, believing it would help facilitate important conversations about health. “The earlier you catch something, the better off you’re going to be,” he noted, highlighting the importance of preventive health measures.
In a bid to make the topic of cancer screening more approachable, Jackson, alongside the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty, is involved in creating humorous advertisements aimed at breaking the ice on what can often be an uncomfortable subject. He acknowledged that many people, including himself until recently, have not prioritised screenings, with statistics showing that 65% of individuals have not yet undergone necessary tests.
Furthermore, Jackson is increasing his focus on his own health, particularly for the sake of his five-year-old daughter, Juno, from his relationship with actress Jodie Turner-Smith. “I’m more self-consciously proactive about maintaining my health now than before,” he explained. He noted that the responsibility of raising his daughter has motivated him to strive for better health and longevity.
The actor shared some cultural insights, highlighting what he described as a Canadian tendency to neglect self-care. He joked about the stereotype, stating, “As a Canadian man, you just don’t do this stuff for yourself.” However, he acknowledged a shifting mindset, emphasising the importance of being a present father and heading towards a life of good health.
In summary, Jackson’s recent remarks reveal a poignant reflection on friendship, loss, and the critical role of health awareness. As he navigates this personal journey while also honouring Van Der Beek’s legacy, he is dedicated to fostering conversations that may help save lives through cancer screenings. His commitment exemplifies a thoughtful approach to dealing with grief, transforming it into a proactive message for others regarding the importance of health and well-being.