The Dawson’s Creek cast are grieving the loss of their co-star and the show’s lead, James Van Der Beek, marking an end of an era for the longtime friends.
Van Der Beek, who played Dawson Leery during the show’s run from 1998 until 2003, died on February 11 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
For fans of the show, Dawson, Joey, Jen and Pacey will always have a special place in their hearts are watching Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams all grow up onscreen.
The cast reunited in honor of Van Der Beek back in September 2025 where the actor gushed about his cast members and fans in a pre-recorded video after pulling out of the appearance amid his health issues.
“I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together,” Van Der Beek said, per People. “I can’t believe I’m not there. I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast, in person.”
“And I just want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you — you are the best fans in the world.”
In honor of Van Der Beek, we’re taking a moment to catch up with the cast now and what they’ve been up to since the show wrapped in 2003.
Check out what the stars have been doing since their days in Capeside below!
Where Are The Dawson’s Creek Cast Now?
James Van Der Beek
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James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11 after a public battle with colorectal cancer. He was 47 years old.
After playing Dawson on the hit show, Van Der Beek continued to make a name for himself in TV shows over the years. Some of his standout roles include Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber, Pose and Vampirina. He’s also starred in movies like Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction and Labor Day.
Alongside his wife of over 10 years Kimberly Van Der Beek, the actor has welcomed six kids: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.
Katie Holmes
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Since starring as Joey Potter in Dawson’s Creek, Katie Holmes’ star power has only increased. She’s continued to star in movies and TV shows including Batman Begins, Thank You for Smoking, Mad Money, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark and Miss Meadows. She also made her directorial debut in 2016’s All We Had, which she also starred.
As for her personal life, Holmes was famously married to Tom Cruise from 2006 to 2012. The two welcomed their daughter, Suri, in 2006. Holmes also dated fellow actor Jamie Foxx from 2017 to 2019.
Joshua Jackson
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The world’s eternal Pacey Witter Joshua Jackson has also made a name for himself in the industry. In addition to roles in movies like Shutter and Inescapable, Jackson’s starred in many critically aclaimed TV shows like When They See Us, Little Fires Everywhere, Fringe, Dr. Death and Fatal Attraction. In 2024, he also began his leading role in the medical drama Doctor Odyssey.
As for his personal life, Jackson had two highly publicized relationships with Diane Kruger from 2006 to 2016 and Jodie Turner-Smith from 2018 to 2023. He and Turner-Smith share daughter Juno, who they welcomed in April 2020.
Michelle Williams
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Over the years, Michelle Williams has starred in so many incredible movies that some might even forget her role as Jen Lindley in Dawson’s Creek. Some of her most notorious work includes Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn, Manchester by the Sea and The Fabelmans. For each of these roles, she’s racked up five Academy Award nominations.
Williams is also a mom to daughter Matilda, who she welcomed in 2005 with the late actor Heath Ledger.
Kerr Smith
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Dawson’s Creek Jack McPhee, aka actor Kerr Smith, has continued showing off his charm onscreen over the years. Some of his most famous roles were Charmed, E-Ring, CSI: NY, The Fosters, The Resident and Riverdale.
Meredith Monroe
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While Dawson’s Creek may still be one of her most recognizable roles, Meredith Monroe has starred in many TV shows and movies since. Some of her most notable roles were in 13 Reasons Why, The Edge of Seventeen, Criminal Minds, Hart of Dixie and The Edge of the Garden.
Monroe’s been married to her husband Steven Kavovit since 1999. The couple share two kids.
Mary Beth Peil
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Mary Beth Peil, aka Grams from Dawson’s Creek, has continued her acting career since the show wrapped. On TV, she’s starred in shows like The Good Wife, The Village and Katy Keene. On the big screen, Peil has also starred in movies like Flags of Our Feather, Mirrors, The Caregiver and The Stepford Wives.
In 2017, she also got recognition for her onscreen acting, being nominated for a Tony Award for her role in Anastasia on Broadway.
Peil is also a proud mom to her kids, Gwyneth and Michael.
John Wesley Shipp
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John Wesley Shipp was an accomplished actor by the time he got started on Dawson’s Creek, so it’s no wonder he’s had quite a career since. Among his notable roles were The Flash, One Life to Live, Teen Wolf and Palmetto Pointe.
Mary-Margaret Humes
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In addition to some small roles in shows like Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, The Rookie and CSI: NY, Mary-Margaret Humes has also made a name for herself in the series of Christmas movies. Among her titles are A Cowboy Christmas Romance, Christmas Crime Story and Christmas in Love.
Busy Philipps
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Over the years since Dawson’s Creek, Busy Philipps has starred in some iconic TV shows and films. Among our favorites of hers are White Chicks, Cougar Town, He’s Just Not That Into You, Made of Honor and, most recently, Girls5Eva.
Philipps, who’s still best friends with Creek co-star Michelle Williams, is a mom to her two kids, Birdie and Cricket, with her ex-husband Marc Silverstein.
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