It has been almost three decades since Dawson’s Creek first came into our lives- 28 years to be exact.
As part of a new craze of teen-filled films and television shows in America during the 1990’s. The show catapulted its leads into stardom and has since become a classic.
Now it’s time to see where the actors behind some of our favourite characters have ended up.
James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek, best known for his lead role, Dawson Leery, on the late-1990s teen drama, Dawson’s Creek, has died aged 48.
The father-of-six previously revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in late 2024.
Katie Holmes
Before we get into it, we need to know what Fountain of Youth Katie Holmes is drinking from!!!
The actress, who was previously married to Tom Cruise, has lived a fairly low-key life since their divorce in 2012.
The mum-of-one raises her daughter Suri predominantly out of the public eye, and she was romantically linked to former co-star Joshua Jackson in January 2025.
Joshua Jackson
Joshua Jackson, who played Pacy Witter, on the teen drama went on to feature in some huge late 90s/early 00s films including: Cruel Intentions (1999), The Skulls (2000), and Gossip (2000).
The actor was romantically linked to his former co-star Katie Holmes in January 2025 as they looked super happy in each other’s company whilst filming the film, Happy Hour.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams went on to have a hugely impressive career following her role as Jen Lindley in Dawson’s Creek. She received several Academy Award nominations for her role in Brokeback Mountain (2005), Deception (2008), Blue Valentine (2010), Shutter Island (2010), My Week With Marilyn (2011), and Manchester by the Sea (2016).
In 2025, she starred in and executive produced Dying for Sex, which bagged her an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe.
Dylan Neal as Doug Witter
Prior to landing the role of Pacey’s policeman brother, Neal was best known for his portrayal of Dylan Shaw in The Bold and the Beautiful.
The 48-year-old actor has continued to work in television with a whole list of credits to his name. Apart from television, Neal has also dabbled in film and appeared in both Fifty Shades films as Bob Adams.
John Wesley Shipp as Mitch Leery
At 43-years-old, the ’80s daytime soap star nabbed the role of Dawson’s dad. One of his most memorable moments in the show was his ice-cream-related car accident which came as a huge shock to viewers.
Since his days on Dawson’s Creek, most teens would recognise him as Coach Lahey in the MTV show Teen Wolf, while others would recognise the 63-year-old in The Flash as Barry Allen’s father Henry Allen and as Jay Garrick.
Mary-Margaret Humes as Gail Leery
Before joining the cast of Dawson’s Creek, the then 43-year-old former beauty queen had done a handful of single episodes in a variety of television shows.
Now, the 64-year-old still works predominantly in TV and her most recent role was in the 2018 telemovie Home by Spring.
Michael Pitt as Henry Parker
Before joining the cast in Season 3 as Jen’s admirer, the then 16-year-old had made his Broadway debut in 1999 in The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek.
Moving on from the show, the 37-year-old actor is best known for his time on Broadwalk Empire. He most recently stared in Ghost in the Shell alongside Scarlett Johansson.
Monica Keena as Abby Morgan
Keena made her film debit in the 1995 film While You Were Sleeping and had a number of single episode guest appearances on various crime shows before singing up for the role of Capeside’s resident bad girl.
Following her stint on Dawson’s Creek, she went on to star as Lori Campbell in Freddie vs. Jason. The 39-year-old continues to work in television.
Oliver Hudson as Eddie Doling
Following in the footsteps of sister Kate Hudson, the then 21-year-old was fresh off the back as a series regular on sitcom My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star when he picked up the role of Joey’s college beau for Season 6.
After parting ways with Dawson, Hudson went on to star in all 100 episodes of Rules of Engagement. The 41-year-old is also known for his roles in Nashville and Scream Queens. Since March 2018, he has stared as a main character on the Ellen DeGeneres produced show Splitting Up Together.
Nina Repeta as Bessie Potter
Before the then 30-year-old was cast as Joey’s pregnant older sister and guardian, Repeta had several TV credits to her name.
These days, the 50-year-old keeps busy performing jazz music amongst the odd TV role here and there. She’s also focused on nurturing the acting career of her 9-year-old song, Banks.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
