Joshua Browning Carter Jackson first captured hearts in the late ’90s as the quick-witted and lovable Pacey Witter on “Dawson’s Creek.” Growing up in Vancouver, Jackson charmed both audiences and critics alike, standing out from the crowd of teen stars thanks to his effortless humor and genuine chemistry with his co-stars.
But Jackson’s story didn’t end with the closing credits of Capeside High. Instead, he’s quietly built a career defined by range and reinvention, moving seamlessly between television and film. His performances in shows like “Fringe,” “The Affair,” “Dr. Death,” and “Fatal Attraction” have all showcased different facets of his talent – whether he’s playing an FBI agent grappling with the supernatural or diving deep into morally complex roles, he’s proven he’s much more than a former teen idol. Throughout it all, Jackson has managed to keep his feet on the ground, rarely courting controversy and choosing projects that emphasize substance over fleeting fame.
The Personal Side of Joshua
While his professional choices have earned him steady respect in Hollywood, Jackson’s personal life has always sparked curiosity – sometimes, against his wishes. He’s known for being cautious, waiting until a relationship is truly significant before stepping into the spotlight with a partner. Still, his romantic life has often made headlines.
Currently, Jackson appears to be dating Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong’o. The two sent the rumor mill into overdrive in October 2023 when they were spotted together at a Janelle Monáe concert. Since then, they’ve been seen vacationing and attending events side-by-side, but both have largely let their actions speak louder than words, refraining from confirming details to the press.
This new chapter in Jackson’s life comes after his separation from actress Jodie Turner-Smith, who filed for divorce in October 2023 after nearly four years of marriage. The pair, who share a daughter born in April 2020, have largely kept the details private, focusing instead on co-parenting with respect.
Long before Turner-Smith, Jackson was in a decade-long relationship with actress Diane Kruger from 2006 to 2016. Though they never married, Jackson and Kruger were something of a Hollywood power couple – often appearing together on red carpets and in interviews, navigating fame with a shared sense of humor. Their split was described as amicable, and both moved forward independently.
In between these high-profile relationships, Jackson was briefly linked to television host Alyssa Julya Smith in 2018, though that romance was fleeting and drew far less attention.
Finding Balance in the Spotlight
One of the most striking things about Joshua Jackson is how he’s learned to balance fame with a sense of personal authenticity. Early on, during the “Dawson’s Creek” years, he avoided the typical trappings of celebrity life, preferring to keep romance out of the tabloids. By his thirties, especially during his time with Kruger, he seemed more comfortable with the public eye, sometimes even poking fun at himself and the scrutiny that came with it.
“I think my twenties were about finding my way,” he reflected in a 2017 interview with The Guardian. “My thirties were about settling into who I am.”
Jackson’s marriage to Turner-Smith marked another turning point: a new focus on fatherhood and family. Despite their eventual parting, he’s spoken openly about the joy and perspective his daughter has brought him, calling fatherhood his “most meaningful role.”
Now in his mid-forties, Jackson appears to have found his rhythm, opting for meaningful connections and privacy over flash. Even his relationship with Nyong’o, potentially a paparazzi magnet, has stayed refreshingly under the radar – an intentional choice, perhaps, in a world that prizes spectacle.
Past Relationships
Nastassja Roberts
Lupita Nyong'o
Jodie Turner-Smith
Alyssa Julya Smith
Shafia West
Crystal Reed
Diane Kruger
Rosario Dawson
Brittany Daniel
Katie Holmes
Margot Finley
What sets Jackson apart isn’t just his ability to transform for the camera, but his reputation for respect – toward his work, his partners, and himself. He’s rarely seen trading barbs in the press or indulging in public feuds. Instead, he lets his work and his actions speak for themselves. In an industry that often chews up and spits out its brightest young stars, Jackson has steadily grown – professionally and personally – without losing the down-to-earth charm that fans first fell for so many years ago.
