From Katie Holmes to Michelle Williams, discover what happened to the cast of Dawson's Creek then and now, plus untold backstage secrets.
In January 1998, a groundbreaking teen drama premiered on The WB that would reshape television dialogue and adolescent storytelling for a generation. Created by Kevin Williamson (fresh off writing the iconic horror blockbuster Scream), Dawson's Creek introduced viewers to the picturesque, fictional coastal town of Capeside, Massachusetts, set to the unforgettable strains of Paula Cole’s theme song, "I Don't Want to Wait."
Unlike typical teen shows of the era, Dawson's Creek treated young people with intellectual respect. Its characters spoke with unprecedented emotional honesty, introspection, and vocabulary, navigating the turbulent waters of first love, shifting friendships, identity, and growing up.
From the legendary love triangle of Dawson, Joey, and Pacey to television's first passionate primetime kiss between two men, the show became an instant cultural touchstone.
More than twenty-five years after Dawson Leery first climbed through Joey Potter’s bedroom window, where are the stars of Capeside today? Here is an inside look at the cast of Dawson's Creek then and now.
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James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery
With his Spielberg posters, video camera in hand, and hopeless romanticism, Dawson Leery was the idealistic dreamer at the center of Capeside. James Van Der Beek brought heartfelt vulnerability to the character, earning him worldwide teen stardom.
What Happened to James Van Der Beek? Following the show, Van Der Beek showcased brilliant self-deprecating comedy, parodying his earnest teen-idol image in the cult comedy Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 and starring in Varsity Blues. He has appeared on hit series like CSI: Cyber, Pose, and competed on Dancing with the Stars.
A proud father of six, Van Der Beek has won widespread admiration in recent years for his openness and positivity. In late 2024, James revealed his diagnosis of colorectal cancer, inspiring millions of fans worldwide with his strength, family devotion, and advocacy for regular health screenings.
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Katie Holmes as Joey Potter
The fiercely independent, sharp-witted girl from the wrong side of the creek, Joey Potter climbed through Dawson’s window and straight into America’s heart. Katie Holmes became the ultimate 90s "girl-next-door" and the only cast member to appear in all 128 episodes.
Katie Holmes Today After Dawson's Creek, Holmes launched an A-list movie career, starring as Rachel Dawes in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins and appearing in acclaimed films like Pieces of April and The Gift. Outside of Hollywood, her personal life—including her high-profile marriage to Tom Cruise and raising daughter Suri—kept her in the international spotlight. Today, Holmes is an accomplished Broadway star, a celebrated New York fashion icon, and a film director, having helmed dramas like All We Had and Rare Objects.
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Joshua Jackson as Pacey Witter
The charismatic, rebellious underachiever who hid a heart of pure gold, Pacey Witter became the ultimate 90s television boyfriend. His electric, slow-burn romance with Joey Potter in Season 3 completely redefined the show and divided fans for decades.
Joshua Jackson’s Thriving Career Before the show, Jackson was already beloved as Charlie Conway in Disney's The Mighty Ducks trilogy. Following Dawson's Creek, he proved to be one of the most versatile leading men in television, starring in the sci-fi cult hit Fringe, Showtime's acclaimed drama The Affair, the harrowing true-crime miniseries Dr. Death, and the series reimagining of Fatal Attraction. Jackson remains a critically praised and steady Hollywood heavyweight.
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Michelle Williams as Jen Lindley
Arriving from New York City with a worldly past and a rebellious spirit, Jen Lindley brought complexity, wisdom, and raw emotion to Capeside. Her tragic farewell in the series finale remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in television history.
Michelle Williams: Oscar-Nominated Royalty Since stepping away from the creek, Michelle Williams has built one of the most respected acting careers in modern cinematic history. A five-time Academy Award nominee, Williams has earned critical acclaim for masterpieces including Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn, Manchester by the Sea, and Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans. She has also won two Golden Globes and a Primetime Emmy for her transformative portrayal of Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon.
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Kerr Smith as Jack McPhee
Joining the cast in Season 2 alongside his sister Andie (Meredith Monroe), Jack McPhee’s poignant coming-out storyline in Season 3 made television history when he shared prime-time television's first passionate romantic kiss between two male characters.
Kerr Smith Today Kerr Smith went on to star in the hit horror franchise Final Destination and appeared in popular television dramas including Charmed, The Fosters, Life Unexpected, and played Principal Honey in The CW’s Riverdale. Today, in addition to acting, Smith is a passionate certified holistic health and wellness consultant.
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Busy Philipps as Audrey Liddell
Introduced in Season 5 as Joey’s wild, fun-loving college roommate, Busy Philipps brought fresh comedic energy to the show's later college years.
Busy Philipps's Creative Second Act Philipps went on to star in beloved comedies like Cougar Town and the acclaimed musical comedy series Girls5eva. Outside of acting, she is a New York Times bestselling author (This Will Only Hurt a Little), host of the popular podcast Busy Philipps Is Doing Her Best, and remains famously inseparable from real-life best friend Michelle Williams.
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Where Can You Stream Dawson's Creek Today?
Ready to revisit Capeside and relive the magic of late-90s youth drama? All six seasons of Dawson's Creek are available to stream on Hulu and Prime Video in the United States.
More than two decades later, the heartfelt conversations, the unforgettable soundtrack, and the timeless question of "Dawson vs. Pacey" continue to capture the hearts of nostalgic viewers around the world.
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