Some shows just stay tattooed in our memory, and Dawson’s Creek is one of those gems that, even decades after its 1998 debut, still lives in the nostalgia of those who watched it in the ’90s. But after all this time, the real buzz isn’t just about the show itself—it’s about what happened afterward. While we grew up and changed our tastes, the actors of Dawson’s Creek followed their own paths. Now comes that inevitable ritual: checking in on the “then and now” of the people who once were our ultimate crushes and it girls of a whole generation.
James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek has been facing colorectal cancer, which has recently been the focus of his life. He’s shared his personal journey publicly and worked with organizations to promote early detection and overall health. At the same time, he continues acting, appearing in projects like the TV movie Sidelines: The QB and Me and an episode of Walker, showing his lasting commitment to the industry.
Joshua Jackson
Now 47, Joshua Jackson has appeared in a wide range of film and television projects. Beyond Dawson’s Creek, he starred in the series The Affair and other productions, keeping his career active and diverse.
Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes has acted in films like Rare Objects and Alone Together. She has also expanded her career as a writer and director with projects such as Alone Together. Holmes appeared in the miniseries The Kennedys After Camelot and has taken roles on Broadway, continuing to grow her artistic repertoire.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams has built one of the most acclaimed careers of the group. She starred in films such as Brokeback Mountain, Shutter Island, and The Fabelmans, earning an Oscar nomination for the latter. Williams has won a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a SAG Award for her role in the miniseries Fosse/Verdon. Off-screen, she’s a mother of three and an outspoken advocate for equal pay.
Chad Michael Murray
Murray has appeared in shows like Sullivan’s Crossing and Riverdale, as well as romantic TV movies such as Love in Winterland. Beyond acting, he is also a writer, co-authoring novels and publishing the graphic novel Everlast in 2011.
Meredith Monroe
Monroe’s career includes roles in films such as Minority Report, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, My Obsession With Rachel, and The Edge of Seventeen. Before acting, she appeared in commercials and even on book covers. She’s also had recurring roles on series like Sunset Beach, Californication, Castle, and S.W.A.T.
Kerr Smith
Kerr Smith is remembered for movies like Final Destination and recently appeared in Riverdale as Principal Holden Honey. In 2023, it was reported he was working with other Dawson’s Creek alumni on the development of a possible spin-off. Could it really happen? Fans can only hope.
Busy Philipps
Busy Philipps has gone beyond acting to host her own late-night show, Busy Tonight, and the podcast Busy Philipps Is Doing Her Best. She’s also become well-known for her advocacy of abortion rights, making her one of the most outspoken voices among the cast.
