Joshua Jackson reflected on his “formational” friendship with his late “Dawson’s Creek” co-star James Van Der Beek as he kicked off a new cancer awareness campaign.

The actor made his first public comments about Van Der Beek’s death in an emotional interview that aired Tuesday on NBC’s “Today” show, noting that his “processing” of the loss is still “ongoing.”

“I think it affects you in different ways,” Jackson explained. “For me, as a father now, I think the enormity of that tragedy for his family affects me in a very different way than just as a colleague.”

Jackson and Van Der Beek endeared themselves to a generation of fans as Pacey Witter and Dawson Leery, respectively, in the teen comedy-drama “Dawson’s Creek,” which aired from 1998 to 2003. The actors apparently remained on good terms and met publicly on several occasions.

Watch Joshua Jackson’s “Today” interview below.

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In his “Today” chat, Jackson said he continues to remember the time he spent with Van Der Beek on and off the set with “great fondness,” but added, “I know I’m really just a footnote to what he really accomplished in his life.”

“He became what we used to call just a ‘good man,’ a man with the kind of belief, the kind of faith that allowed him to face the impossible with grace, an incredible partner and husband, just a true man who showed up for his family and a beautiful, kind, curious, interested and dedicated father,” she explained. “The tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous.”

Van Der Beek died on February 11, just over a year after going public with his colorectal cancer diagnosis. He was 48 years old.

From the left:
From left to right: “Dawson’s Creek” stars Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Kerr Smith, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson in 2003.

KMazur via Getty Images

The news sparked an outpouring of condolences from many of the Connecticut-born actor’s colleagues, including fellow “Dawson’s Creek” actors Katie Holmes, Kerr Smith and Michelle Williams.

Jackson, whose most recent credits include “The Affair” and “Doctor Odyssey,” said he hopes to honor Van Der Beek’s memory by appearing alongside Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty in the NHL and AstraZeneca’s new “Get Body Checked Against Cancer” campaign.

“I’m that age, right? Like so many people, my family has been affected by cancer,” the 47-year-old said. “Obviously, when James got his diagnosis, and now I’m thinking about a contemporary of mine going through something like this.”

“We kids don’t like talking about this. We don’t like going to the doctor. We don’t like dealing with these things,” he added. “And I know many ways in your life, like that stiff upper lip can be helpful, but in this, it’s not of any help.”