Top 10 Stars You Forgot Were on Dawson's Creek

We all know Jane Lynch as tough-as-nails gym teacher Sue Sylvester from Glee. However she’s no stranger to the role of disapproving matriarch, as evidenced by her single-episode appearance as Pacey’s mother. While we’re often used to seeing Lynch’s patronizing attitude played for laughs, here it’s used to heighten the dramatic tension, as she channels her trademark condescending charm to chide her son for being unsuccessful. While she may not have been a household name at the time, this episode gave us a glimpse of what was to come from this prolific performer.

You may know her best as the frontwoman of a rock band, or the girl who Freddie Prinze Jr. finally realized was pretty once she...took off her glasses (yeah, hopefully we leave that trope in the dust). But before Rachael Leigh Cook was any of those things, she was living it up in Capeside. Cook had a small role as Devon, a film student who takes on the role of the Joey character in Dawson’s movie. Oh yeah, and she sometimes moonlights as a nude model. Cook’s arc was short – just three episodes – but she made an impression as a snarky, blunt actress who made Joey more than a bit jealous.

Back in the 90s, Julie Bowen had already made a little bit of a name for herself in comedies like “Happy Gilmore.” And she’s definitely become a household name since with her starring turn as Claire Dunphy on “Modern Family.” But, you might have forgotten that she also had a teeny tiny role on “Dawson’s Creek” – in a very important episode. In season three’s “Stolen Kisses,” Bowen plays Dawson’s Aunt Gwen, who the gang goes to stay with during Spring Break. The episode ends up being a pivotal moment for Pacey and Joey, who finally admit their feelings for each other – with a little nudging from Gwen herself. Thanks for bringing our favorite couple together, Aunt Gwen!

While “Felicity” may be the more well-known teen drama vehicle for Scott Foley, it wasn’t the only one – and it wasn’t even the only one that aired in 1998. While he was charming us all as the cute, but geeky Noel Crane, he was also playing a bit character on “Dawson’s Creek.” Foley played the role of Cliff, a popular jock vying for Jen Lindley’s heart, in season one. While he’s now more well-known for his roles on Shonda Rhimes shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” we’ll never forget Foley’s teen drama past.

Whenever Pauley Perette shows up on screen, you automatically think she’s solving a murder case – and why wouldn’t you? The famous actress starred on “NCIS” from 2003 to 2018, and has basically become synonymous with her character Abby Sciuto. So synonymous, in fact, that you might have a hard time adjusting when rewatching her scenes in “Dawson’s Creek.” Just two years before her run on “NCIS,” Perrette appeared in two episodes of “Dawson’s,” playing a therapist who Dawson visits to help with his anxiety. She’s been cast as a Phd, she’s been cast as working in forensics – Perrette definitely gives off “expert” vibes to casting agents!

You may know and love him as the anxiety-ridden Buster Bluth in “Arrested Development,” or maybe as the overly loyal Gary on “Veep.” But long before these roles, Tony Hale played a much more reserved part on “Dawson’s Creek.” Hale played Dr. Bronin – the doctor for Dawson’s mentor and cranky old friend Mr. Brooks – who is forced to give Dawson shocking and upsetting news. The comedian is almost unrecognizable in the role, not because of his looks, but because he has to play it so straight. There’s no trace of the silliness of his other, more famous characters here.

Actress Bianca Lawson has run the gamut of the teen drama canon. From “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Sister, Sister” in the 90s, to “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Vampire Diaries” in the 2000s, she’s done it all. Seriously, we didn’t even name half the teen shows she’s been in. But, some of the roles she’s more famous for now might overshadow her small recurring role on “Dawson’s Creek” as Nikki Green, Principal Green’s daughter and Dawson’s friend. It was a short arc – just four episodes – but Lawson shone as the shy, yet driven young filmmaker who puts Dawson in his place more than once.

Blink and you might miss it! We all remember Chad Michael Murray’s run on “Dawson’s Creek” – it seemed like he was on every teen show back in the day – as Charlie Todd, a playboy musician who dates Jen and Joey. But, look closely at the 19th episode of season five, and you might see another familiar, “One Tree Hill” face. That’s right – Hilarie Burton, AKA Peyton Sawyer, has a small role in the episode where Dawson and friends fly down to Florida for Spring Break. She’s credited as VJ Hilarie, and even shares a scene with her future co-star and “One Tree Hill” love interest. If only they knew!

Okay, there are SO many movies you think of when you think of Seth Rogen – “Knocked Up,” “The 40-Year Old Virgin,” “Superbad.” You might even think of a TV show – “Freaks and Geeks” heads, unite! But, we’re betting you definitely do NOT think of “Dawson’s Creek.” Well, think again! Rogen had a small role in season six as Bob, a stoner (surprise) who hooks up with Audrey, and then joins her, Joey, and Eddie on a cross-country roadtrip to take Audrey to rehab. We’d also like to point out that this cameo is double the fun, as it marks a reunion with his “Freaks and Geeks’ co-star Busy Phillips. Ah, the memories!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Jason Behr
This Roswell alum is no alien to drama

Alexandra Breckenridge
From Jack’s Ex-Girlfriend to “This Is Us”

Mädchen Amick
From Twin Peaks to Dating Dawson’s Dad

Mika Boorem
Before She Starred in Teen Faves of Her Own, She Was Joey’s Babysitting Job

Adam Kaufman
Before Starring in “State of Affairs”, He Was Making LGBTQ History

As the star of two very successful TV shows – “House” and “Once Upon a Time” – Jennifer Morrison needs no introduction. But, long before she was performing surgery or fighting fairy tale monsters, she was making teen girls everywhere jealous by shacking up with Pacey Witter – on a boat, no less! In season five of “Dawson’s Creek,” Morrison played Melanie Thompson, a law student who meets Pacey when he gets a job working on her uncle’s yacht. Their romance was short-lived – just two episodes – but her time on the creek will never be forgotten.