Jax Taylor Says James Van Der Beek Could Have Been Nicer to Tom Schwartz at a Convention
Jax Taylor, James Van Der Beek, and Tom Schwartz. FilmMagic; Getty Images (2)
Jax Taylor, former Vanderpump Rules star, believes that actor James Van Der Beek ignored Tom Schwartz at a recent fan convention.
In the episode of the "When Reality Hits With Jax and Brittany" podcast on Thursday, March 14, Taylor, along with cohost and estranged wife Brittany Cartwright and guest Kristen Doute, shared that Schwartz was excited to meet Van Der Beek at the Lexington Comic & Toy Con in Kentucky earlier this month.
Taylor mentioned that Tom's idol is James Van Der Beek. He loves him so much that he even called Schwartz three times the night before the convention to remind him to bring his "Mox" jersey from Varsity Blues. (Van Der Beek played Jonathan "Mox" Moxon in the 1999 film.)
When Schwartz approached the actor to introduce himself, Taylor observed that Van Der Beek wasn't very friendly towards Tom, who was extremely excited to meet him.
Taylor mentioned that the autograph session with Schwartz went fine, but she felt that he could have been nicer. She wasn't completely happy with his attitude. We have contacted Van Der Beek for his response.
When Cartwright, 35, inquired for additional information, Taylor recommended that Van Der Beek could have made a greater effort to interact with fans.
Taylor asserted, "We were the sole individuals in front of our tables, actively engaging, giving hugs, and taking pictures."
Doute, 41, chimed in to say: “He was probably nice, he just wasn’t, like, enthusiastic.”
Cartwright was also reluctant to judge the Dawson’s Creek alum too harshly.
"You never know what somebody may be dealing with," she expressed. "There are times when I'm in a hurry at the airport and can't stop to chat like I want to. I hope they don't think I'm being rude."
Taylor emphasized that conventions are meant for taking the time to connect with fans.
"He reminded us that we're there to take pictures, not at the airport," Cartwright recalled. "We're supposed to sit there and capture moments, that's our responsibility."
Cartwright accepted the reminder without objections and mentioned that their team was commended for being very approachable and welcoming.
She mentioned that many people approached us and complimented us on having the friendliest booth at the event.
Taylor, Cartwright, and Doute are featured in the new Vanderpump Rules spinoff called The Valley, set to premiere on Tuesday, March 19. This comes shortly after Taylor and Cartwright shared on their podcast in February that they are currently taking a break from their marriage.
"I just wanted to be honest with all the rumors swirling around online. Marriages can be tough, and I had a really tough year," Cartwright revealed. "Jax and I have decided to take a break, and I chose to move to a different place to give myself some space for my own well-being. It's still difficult for me to talk about, so I won't go into too much detail right now."
Cartwright, who has a 2-year-old son named Cruz with Taylor, clarified that their decision to announce the split is not a publicity stunt for their upcoming reality show.
"We shot The Valley a long time ago — a really long time ago," she mentioned. "We are thrilled for it to finally be released, especially with all the changes that have taken place in each couple's life on the show. I want to emphasize that these are real-life changes, not just for publicity."
The trailer for the series suggests issues in the couple's marriage as Cartwright reveals to friends that she and Taylor "never have sex." Additionally, the teaser shows the couple disagreeing on the idea of starting a family.
The Valley premieres on Bravo Tuesday, March 19, at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Editor's P/S:
Jax Taylor's account of James Van Der Beek's alleged dismissiveness towards Tom Schwartz at a fan convention highlights the importance of human connection, especially in the entertainment industry. Conventions provide a unique opportunity for fans to interact with their idols, and celebrities should strive to make these experiences meaningful. While it's understandable that actors may have busy schedules, taking the time to acknowledge and engage with fans demonstrates respect and appreciation for their support.
Taylor's emphasis on the importance of engaging with fans during conventions is crucial. These events are not just about autographs and photo opportunities; they are about creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of community. Celebrities who prioritize genuine interactions with their fans not only make their day but also build a stronger bond with their audience. By embracing this human connection, actors can amplify their impact and leave a positive impression on their fans. noting that public events like fan conventions can be overwhelming, and celebrities may have to manage their time and interactions accordingly.