Dawson's Creek Cast: Where Are They Now After James Van Der Beek's Passing
Two decades after the beloved teen drama concluded, fans are reflecting on the legacy of Dawson's Creek and wondering about the current lives of its iconic cast members. The recent passing of James Van Der Beek, who portrayed the titular character Dawson Leery, has prompted renewed interest in the show's ensemble.
Airing from 1998 to 2003, Dawson's Creek remains one of television's most cherished teen dramas, following the emotional journeys of friendship, love, and coming-of-age in the fictional town of Capeside. The series captured hearts with its authentic portrayal of adolescent experiences through characters like Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jen.
James Van Der Beek's Legacy and Final Years
James Van Der Beek led the ensemble cast as Dawson Leery, an aspiring filmmaker navigating the complexities of friendship and romance in Capeside. Following the show's conclusion, he took memorable roles in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 and competed on Dancing with the Stars.
Van Der Beek lived in Texas with his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. In November 2024, he revealed he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer the previous year. Reflecting on his health challenges, he shared profound insights about identity and self-worth during difficult times.
James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Katie Holmes: From Joey Potter to Hollywood Success
Katie Holmes, who played Dawson's best friend Joey Potter, briefly returned to education after the show, attending Harvard University's entertainment, media and sports program. She later starred in major films including Batman Begins (2005) and portrayed Jackie Kennedy in two acclaimed television dramas.
Away from acting, Holmes runs her production company Noelle Productions and raises her daughter Suri from her marriage to Tom Cruise, which lasted from 2006 to 2012. Holmes has expressed fond memories of Dawson's Creek, describing it as a special experience she cherished deeply.
Joshua Jackson's Continued Acting Career
Joshua Jackson, who portrayed Dawson's other best friend Pacey Witter, has maintained a steady acting career since the show's finale. He has appeared in projects including Fatal Attraction, Doctor Odyssey, and more recently, a series by Ava DuVernay filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Jackson married Jodie Turner-Smith in 2019, though the couple separated in 2023. They share one child together.
Michelle Williams: Award-Winning Film Career
Michelle Williams, who played Capeside's enigmatic Jen Lindley, has built an impressive film career earning multiple Oscar nominations, including a Best Actress nomination for The Fabelmans in 2023. She is mother to daughter Matilda Rose with late actor Heath Ledger and has three children with her husband, director Thomas Kail.
Supporting Cast Members' Journeys
Meredith Monroe, who played the high-strung Andie McPhee, has appeared in shows including Criminal Minds, Hart of Dixie and 13 Reasons Why. She married Steven Kavovit in 1999, and the couple have at least two children while maintaining privacy about their personal lives. Monroe has described filming in Wilmington as a formative experience that created deep connections among the cast.
Kerr Smith portrayed Andie's older brother Jack, who navigated coming out during the series. He has since appeared in The Fosters, Life Unexpected, Charmed, and Riverdale. Smith fondly remembers cast trips to Masonboro Island as some of the most enjoyable experiences of his life. He was married to actress Harmoni Everett from 2003 to 2009.
Busy Philipps, who played Joey's college roommate Audrey, has starred in Cougar Town, Girls5eva, and the 2024 Mean Girls remake. She has two children, Cricket and Birdie, with ex-husband Marc Silverstein. Philipps has maintained a close friendship with Michelle Williams and paid tribute to Van Der Beek on social media following his passing.
The cast of Dawson's Creek has taken diverse paths since their time in Capeside, with some achieving Hollywood success while others have focused on family and personal projects. Their collective journey continues to resonate with fans who grew up watching their fictional counterparts navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood.
