Joshua Jackson has been working in Hollywood for decades, but it hasn’t always been easy.

On the red carpet before the 2024 Emmy Awards, the actor, 46, whose role in Dawson’s Creek: The mysterious setting who started his career at the age of 21, admitted that there were “a few times” when he questioned whether or not he wanted to stay in the entertainment business.

“I’ve had an incredibly lucky life, a lucky life that I’ve been able to live for 35 years now, but in that time there have been some difficulties – like in every life. Some bumps and bruises,” he told Laverne Cox during EAR!‘s performance.

“There were definitely times when I wondered if I still had the fire and passion for it,” he continued.

Jackson, who got his first acting job at age 11, said he “really loves” acting, but “if the passion isn’t there, you feel like someone else should have that chance.”

Although Jackson – father of four-year-old Juno, whom he has with ex-wife Jodie Turner-Smith – admittedly had doubts about pursuing his acting career, he is preparing to star in a brand new Ryan Murphy series. Doctor Odyssey.

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He plays Max, a “ship’s doctor on a luxury cruise ship where the staff works hard and parties even harder,” in the new medical drama premiering later this month on ABC.

According to the official logline, “All hands on deck as Max and his small but mighty team of doctors navigate unique medical crises and encounter each other miles from shore.”

Jackson stars Phillipa Soo, Sean Teale and Don Johnson. Jackson also serves as an executive producer on the series along with Murphy and Johnson.

Jackson told Cox, 52, before the Emmys that the show was meant to be “just an hour of fun.”

“It’s this exquisite world with beautiful sets and beautiful costumes,” he said, before praising the experience of making the series.

“The cast is great, we’ve had so much fun so far and it’s really been – even if it’s not always like that – a joy to make. We’re having so much fun and I think that translates to the screen.”

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