Twenty-two years after its premiere, the WB series, “Dawson’s Creek” remains one of the most iconic teen dramas of all time. As Netflix reintroduces the noughties series, fans can’t help but wonder how far the casts have come since their days on the show.
The high school show, “Dawson’s Creek,” first hit the screens in 1998, introducing a lineup of casts comprising teenagers and young adults. Between 1998 and 2003, these showbiz icons became household names, as they portrayed notable characters in the WB drama for six seasons.
The legendary drama followed the lives of four teenagers, Dawson Leery, Joey Porter, Pacey Witter, and Jen Lindley, as they navigated their lives through high school, and eventually progressing to college in later seasons.
In November 2020, the streaming giant, Netflix made “Dawson’s Creek” available for fans to re-watch, bringing back sweet memories of the ‘90s and early 2000s in mind-blowing episodes.
Notably, the series has quickly become one of the most-streamed noughties series on the streaming platform, with the Capeside kids captivating a new generation of teens and young adults all over again.
This has sent many on a quest to unveil the identities of each cast of “Dawson’s Creek,” and what their lives look like now.
1. JAMES VAN DER BEEK
James Van Der Beek played the titular character, Dawson Leery on the show, joining the cast ensemble at twenty. For the next six seasons, he rendered the role of the obnoxious teenager seamlessly.
The character paved Van Der Beek’s way to stardom, landing him starring roles in movies like “Rules Of Attraction” and “Varsity Blues.”
Over two decades later, Van Der Beek’s Hollywood career is still afloat, with his focus on comedy. Some of his works over the years include “What Would Diplo Do,” “Pose,” and “Bad Hair” among others. Additionally, he participated in “DWTS” in 2019, becoming a fan-favorite before his elimination.
Since 2010, the 43-year-old actor has been married to actress, Kimberly Brook, and the duo shares five children.
2. KATIE HOLMES
Shooting into fame at only 19 with her role as Joey Potter on “Dawson’s Creek,” Katie Holmes easily captured the hearts of many. Her character, Potter, who had lost her mom and was trying to navigate through life as a high school student was the center of the love triangle between best friends, Dawson and Witter, fostering decades-long debate about who was her better match.
Holmes’s romantic life in the real world has also been somewhat dramatic. Most notably, her infamous marriage to Hollywood legend, Tom Cruise. Their divorce eight years ago garnered her vast publicity for years. She shares a daughter, Suri, with her ex-husband.
The star has kept up with acting over the years, starring in movies like “The Kennedys” and its sequel, “The Kennedys: After Camelot,” in 2017. She also has credits in “Brahms: The Boy II,” “The Secret: Dare To Dream,” and “All We Had.”
Following her split from Cruise, Holmes kicked off a romance with Jamie Fox, which ended in 2019. She is currently dating chef, Emilio Vitolo Jr.
3. JOSHUA JACKSON
Starring as Pacer Witter, Joshua Jackson made his way into people’s hearts as the love-struck teenager striving to win Joey’s heart. He joined the cast when he was nineteen, and easily became a heartthrob thanks to his romantic gestures and unconditional love.
The actor rose to fame with his performance on the “Mighty Ducks” movie franchise even before stamping his name as Witter. He has since starred on “Fringe,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” “The Affair,” and “When They See Us.”
Jackson, now 42, tied the knot with “Queen And Slim” star Jodie Turner-Smith in 2019 and has since welcomed a daughter.
4. MICHELLE WILLIAMS
At seventeen, Michelle Williams joined the cast of “Dawson’s Creek,” taking on the role of Jen Lindley, the newcomer in the group. As the NYC transplant, Lindley changed the lives of the famous Capeside trio, and invariably, the show’s narrative.
Sadly, “Dawson’s Creek” took an unexpected twist in the series finale, ending with the death of Lindley, to everyone’s horror. Her character’s unexpected demise did not make her any less the favorite cast member.
Her epic performance in the show exposed her to more acting gigs in hit movies. The award-winning actress has since starred in “Brokeback Mountain,” which earned her an Oscar nod. Additionally, she landed roles in “Fosse/Verdon,” “Creek,” “My Week With Marilyn,” “Manchester By The Sea,” and “Blue Valentine,” among others.
Williams has tied the knot twice. In 2018, she married musician, Phil Elverum, whom she divorced a year later. She later exchanged vows with director Thomas Kail, welcoming their first child together in June.
5. KERR SMITH
Kerr Smith made history when he became one half of the first-ever onscreen male-on-male kiss in history, thanks to his role as Jack McPhee.
He has since starred in “Final Destination,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” “The Fosters,” “My Bloody Valentine,” and “Riverdale.”
6. MEREDITH MONROE
For four seasons, Meredith Monroe, who joined the cast of “Dawson’s Creek,” portrayed a teenager in high school dealing with some family drama.
Following her stint on the series, she went on to star in “Heart Of Dixie,” “Criminal Minds,” The Edge Of Seventeen,” “Castle,” and “13 Reasons Why,” among others.
7. MARY-MARGARET HUMES
The Gail Leery role player, Mary-Margaret Humes became part of “Dawson’s Creek” cast when she was 43. Her role as Dawson’s mom easily garnered her widespread popularity and remains her most renowned to date.
Some of her works through the years include “Knight Rider,” “Duke Of Hazzard,” and “Matlock” among others.
8. JOHN WESLEY SHIPP
John Wesley Shipp landed the role of Mitch Leery when he was 42 and captured hearts as Dawson’s father. Before making it into the “Dawson’s Creek” universe, Shipp was already a household name, reputed for his portrayal of Flash on “The Flash.”
He also made appearances on “One Life To Live,” and “As The World Turns.” Since his character tragically died in a crash, he has continued making waves in Hollywood with several iconic roles.
9. BUSY PHILLIPS
Beginning season 5, Busy Phillips became a cast of “Dawson’s Creek,” playing Joey’s college roommate and Pacey’s love interest.
Aside from the WB series, Phillips has appeared in movies like “Freaks and Geeks,” “White Chicks,” and “Cougar Town.”
Today, the actress has maintained her unbreakable friendship with her onscreen college friend, Williams. She also has two children with her husband, Marc Silverstein.
10. MARY BETH PEIL
Jen Lindley’s grandmother, known throughout the show as Grams, was played by Mary Beth Peil. The character notably became the only adult cast member credited as a series regular in its six-seasons run.
She has since landed roles in “Fringe,” “Mirrors,” “Best Day Of My Life,” and theatre renditions of “Follies” and “Anastasia.”
11. CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY
After making a name for himself on “Gilmore Girls,” Chad Michael Murray joined the cast of “Dawson’s Creek” for 12 episodes. But those twelve episodes were enough to make an impression, having dated both Jen and Joey, two of the major female characters.
His other movie and TV appearances include “Freaky Friday,” “A Cinderella Story,” “One Tree Hill,” and Fruitvale Station.” These days, Murray is making waves as an author.
Following his divorce from “One Tree Hill” co-star, Sophia Bush, Murray married actress Sarah Roemer. The duo has two kids together.
Other notable members of “Dawson’s Creek” cast include Monica Keena, who played Abby, Nina Repeta, as Joey’s sister, Bessie, and Dylan Neal as Pacey’s mean older brother, Doug.
The cast ensemble, who brought “Dawson’s Creek” to life has undoubtedly become a far cry from the youngsters they were over two decades ago.
