Where Are They Now? Catching Up with the Cast of Dawson’s Creek

Dawson’s Creek wasn’t just another teen drama—it was a rite of passage for anyone navigating the messy highs and lows of adolescence in the late ’90s. From love triangles to philosophical musings, the show gave us characters we could root for, cry with, and occasionally yell at. But what have the residents of Capeside been up to since we last saw them? Let’s catch up with the cast and see how life after the Creek has treated them.

The man behind the dreamy, Spielberg-obsessed Dawson kept his TV career alive post-Creek, starring in the hilarious Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. These days, James has embraced a quieter life in Texas with his wife, Kimberly, and their six kids. While he’s still active in Hollywood, his focus on family life has added a refreshing, grounded layer to his career. In 2024, Van Der Beek announced that he’s been dealing with colorectal cancer, and despite the diagnosis he’s been working steadily while navigating this new chapter in his life.

Katie Holmes evolved from Capeside’s girl-next-door to a powerhouse in Hollywood. She stepped behind the camera to produce and direct and even attended Harvard’s Entertainment, Media, and Sports program. With roles in projects like The Kennedys and a recent Broadway debut in Our Town, Katie has proven her versatility. Off-screen, she’s busy raising her daughter, Suri, and balancing her impressive career with mom duties.

Pacey may have been the lovable screw-up on Dawson’s Creek, but Joshua Jackson has had anything but a screw-up career. With standout roles in The Affair and Fatal Attraction, he’s kept himself firmly in the spotlight. In 2023, he returned to Wilmington (where Creek was filmed) for a project with Ava DuVernay. Though his personal life took a hit with a split from Jodie Turner-Smith, Joshua’s star continues to shine brightly.

Michelle Williams took her Dawson’s Creek fame and ran with it—all the way to multiple Oscar nominations. From Blue Valentine to The Fabelmans, she’s cemented her place as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. With two kids and a marriage to director Thomas Kail, Michelle’s off-screen life is just as fulfilling as her impressive career.

Kerr Smith’s groundbreaking portrayal of Jack McPhee’s coming-out story left an indelible mark on TV history. Since then, he’s appeared in shows like The Fosters, Life Unexpected, and Riverdale. Kerr’s dedication to representing LGBTQ+ stories continues to resonate, showing that his impact goes far beyond Capeside.

As Joey’s wild and lovable college roommate, Busy Philipps brought a fresh burst of energy to Dawson’s Creek. Post-Creek, she starred in hits like Cougar Town and Girls5eva. She even played Regina George’s mom in the 2024 Mean Girls musical remake. Off-screen, Busy keeps fans entertained with her candid Instagram posts and her adorable friendship with Katie Holmes.

From Dawson’s dad to The Flash’s dad! John Wesley Shipp is a beloved figure in the superhero world, reprising his role in The Flash decades after starring as the original Scarlet Speedster in the ’90s. He’s become a nostalgic touchstone for superhero fans, connecting generations of viewers with his enduring charm.

As Dawson’s supportive mom, Mary-Margaret Humes brought warmth and heart to Dawson’s Creek. After the show, she stayed busy with roles in Hallmark and Lifetime movies, proving her versatility. Married to Raul A. Bruce since 1992, she’s a reminder that some Hollywood stories have happy endings both on and off the screen.