Joshua Jackson has always been that guy. You know the one—the guy we all grew up with as Pacey Witter, the guy who somehow manages to date the most interesting, talented women in Hollywood, and the guy who keeps us guessing about his personal life without ever actually saying a word. Honestly, keeping up with his dating roster lately feels like a full-time job.
If you've been scrolling through social media recently, you’ve probably seen the name Simone Ashley pop up next to his. It’s the kind of pairing that makes you do a double-take. The Bridgerton star and the Dawson's Creek legend? It’s a lot to process. But before we start planning the wedding, let's look at what's actually going on.
The NYC Stroll Heard 'Round the World
Basically, it all started back in August 2025. Joshua Jackson, now 47, was spotted in New York City with the 30-year-old Simone Ashley. They weren't just standing near each other; they were walking through the streets, smiling, laughing, and looking suspiciously comfortable. Jackson was rocking a simple white T-shirt and pants, while Ashley looked effortlessly cool in a lace camisole.
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They looked good. Like, "we're-definitely-more-than-coworkers" good.
This wasn't just a random run-in. Jackson has been in NYC filming Happy Hours—a project that, side note, has him reuniting with Katie Holmes (talk about a throwback). Meanwhile, Ashley was in town working on The Devil Wears Prada 2. Seeing them together for the first time one-on-one sent the internet into a total tailspin. People were immediately convinced she was the official "Joshua Jackson new girlfriend."
Wait, What Happened to Lupita Nyong'o?
Here’s where it gets kinda messy. Just a few months before the Simone Ashley sightings, everyone was obsessed with Joshua and Lupita Nyong'o. That relationship was a whole whirlwind. They first sparked rumors in late 2023, right after Jackson's high-profile split from Jodie Turner-Smith.
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They went on romantic trips to Mexico. They held hands in Joshua Tree. It seemed like the real deal. But by October 2024, Lupita basically confirmed it was over in the most iconic way possible—by telling Harper’s Bazaar UK that her love for her cat, Yoyo, was "singular." She mentioned she was ready to "bolt the door" on romance, though her cat helped keep her heart open.
Translation: She's single, and Joshua is back on the market.
The Short-Lived Nastassja Roberts Chapter
In between Lupita and Simone, there was a brief moment where people thought he was dating German model Nastassja Roberts. They were seen out in NYC in September 2024, right as the Lupita breakup rumors were peaking. Roberts is a low-key brand manager and model with killer cheekbones, but that flame seemed to flicker out as quickly as it started.
The Simone Ashley Connection: Is It Official?
So, is Simone Ashley actually the new girlfriend?
Neither of them has confirmed a single thing. In fact, back in early 2025, Simone told PEOPLE that she wasn't in a rush to jump into anything new after her own breakup. She said she was looking for someone "confident" and "ready to have an open heart."
Whether Joshua Jackson is that guy remains to be seen. Right now, they seem to be in that "spending time together" phase. In Hollywood speak, that usually means they’re dating but don't want the paparazzi at their breakfast table every morning.
Why We Care So Much
It’s weirdly fascinating to watch Joshua Jackson navigate the dating world in his 40s. He’s gone from a 10-year relationship with Diane Kruger to a marriage with Jodie Turner-Smith, and now this series of high-profile romances with women like Lupita and (potentially) Simone.
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He’s clearly not interested in a "type." He dates powerhouses.
- Katie Holmes: His first real love and Dawson's Creek costar.
- Diane Kruger: The decade-long partner who didn't believe in marriage.
- Jodie Turner-Smith: The mother of his daughter, Juno.
- Lupita Nyong'o: The Oscar-winning rebound that felt like more.
What to Watch for Next
If you’re looking for confirmation on the Joshua Jackson new girlfriend front, keep your eyes on the red carpets. Jackson is currently headlining Doctor Odyssey, and Simone Ashley has a massive year ahead with the Prada sequel.
If they show up at an after-party together, it’s a wrap.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Film Credits: Keep an eye on the Happy Hours production notes; sometimes "friends" visit sets more often than they should.
- Social Media Sleuthing: Simone Ashley is notoriously private, but her Instagram stories often hold tiny clues (like a familiar-looking watch or a specific NYC background).
- Follow the Press Tours: When Doctor Odyssey or The Devil Wears Prada 2 start their heavy promotion, the "relationship" questions are inevitable. Jackson is a pro at dodging them, but his face usually gives it away.
Joshua Jackson is clearly living his best life in New York right now. Whether he’s single, dating Simone Ashley, or just focused on being a dad and an actor, he’s definitely keeping the "Pacey" fans fed with plenty of mystery.