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Dawson’s Creek cast - where are they now?

The drama ran from 1998 until 2003

Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
September 23, 2022
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Classic drama Dawson's Creek was huge back in its day, and it seems its popularity has continued. Not only has the series been brought back into die-hard fans' lives thanks to it being available to stream on Netflix in some regions, but it has gained a new audience in the process. 

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The show, which ran from 1998 until 2003, aired more than 128 episodes over six series and struck a chord with its largely teen, romance-obsessed audience. The stars of Dawson's Creek became household names, too – but where are they now? Find out what the cast members of Dawson's Creek are up to today below…

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James Van Der Beek

Title character Dawson Leery was played by James Van Der Beek. James was unknown before landing the main part in the show but immediately shot to stardom. After appearing in Dawson's Creek for five years and six seasons, James went on to land a number of other roles in shows such as Ugly Betty, Criminal Minds and One Tree Hill. 

Left: young James Van Der Beek Right: grown up James Van Der Beek© Photo: Getty Images
James Van Der Beek still has a successful career

The actor is known today for his appearances in the main cast for popular show Pose and, in 2021, competed on Dancing With the Stars.

Joshua Jackson

Joshua Jackson took on the role of Dawson's best friend Pacey Witter. The actor, now 42, was relatively known before starring in the drama thanks to his role in The Mighty Ducks film franchise. Once the series came to an end, Joshua continued a successful acting career.

Left: Pacey Witter Right: Joshua Jackson© Photo: Getty Images
Joshua Jackson looks totally different to how he did on Dawson's Creek

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He became known for starring in The Affair, When They See Us and, more recently, Little Fires Everywhere alongside Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. Formerly married to Jodie Turner-Smith, more recently Joshua has been linked with Lupita Nyong'o

Michelle Williams

The role of Jen Lindley was played by Michelle Williams. Prior to starring in the drama, Michelle began her career with small roles in Lassie, Baywatch and Home Improvement.

Left: Michelle as Jen Right: Michelle on the red carpet© Photo: Getty Images
Michelle Williams played Jen Lindley

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After Dawson's Creek, Michelle turned to more film roles and earned an Academy Award nomination for her part in Brokeback Mountain. Nowadays, the actress' most recent work include Venom, The Fabelmans, and mini-series Fosse/Vernon.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes is another star who rose to fame on Dawson's Creek, but whose career went on to catapult to stardom. 

katie holmes dc© Photo: Getty Images

After playing Dawson's best friend and love-interest Joey Potter, Katie went on to secure parts in Batman Begins, First Daughter and in mini-series The Kennedys. The actress' most recent work includes playing Miranda Wells in Netflix film The Secret: Dare to Dream.

Kerr Smith

Kerr Smith took on the role of the sensitive character, Jack McPhee and was something of a fan favorite. Since departing the show when it came to an end in 2003, Kerr has gone on to land more TV roles. 

Left: Jack McPhee Right: Kerr Smith© Photo: Getty Images
Kerr Smith played a fan favorite

Today, audiences will know him from Netflix's smash-hit Riverdale, in which he plays Principal Holden Honey. But he's also known for his stints in other series like Charmed, The Fosters and Life Unexpected. 

Mary-Margaret Humes

Dawson's mother Gail was played by Mary-Margaret Humes who was previously known for her work in titles such as The Dukes of Hazzard, The A-Team, and more. 

Mary Margaret Humes as Gail and as herself© Photo: Getty Images
Gail was Dawson's mom

Since Dawson's Creek, she's appeared in other popular shows like Grey's Anatomy, CSI, and Criminal Minds.

John Wesley Shipp

Playing Gail's husband Mitch was John Wesley Shipp. Prior to Dawson's Creek, John was known for appearing in TV shows such as As The World Turns (for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award) and Guiding Light.

John Wesley Shippas Dawson's father and as himself© Photo: Getty Images
John Wesley Shipp played Gail's husband

More recently, he's known for playing Barry Allen's dad in The Flash. He formerly played Barry in the 1990 series.

Mary Beth Peil

Singer and actress Mary Beth Peil played Jen's grandmother Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan in the show. Mary Beth had numerous roles in films before starring in the drama including in Jersey Girl, Reckless and the TV show Law & Order.

Left: Grams Right: Mary Beth© Photo: Getty Images
Mary Beth played Jen's grandmother

Mary Beth has also had a successful stage career, picking up two Tony awards. Today, she's known for starring in TV comedy-drama Katy Keene.

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