Running for six seasons from 1998 to 2003, Dawson's Creek became one of the quintessential teen dramas of the Y2K era.

Set in the fictional Massachusetts town of Capeside, populated by hyper-articulate young people, the show launched Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson and the much-missed James Van Der Beek. It broke new ground for teen TV while keeping millions hooked on the Dawson-Joey-Pacey love triangle.

But which stars made fortunes large enough to leave the rest of the cast feeling 'discombobulated'?

Read on to discover who is worth what, with estimates courtesy of Celebrity Net Worth.

All dollar values in US dollars

The wealthiest Dawson's Creek cameo is none other than Gwen Stefani, who appeared with No Doubt in 2002 and is now worth an estimated $160 million (£119m). Her bandmates Tony Kanal, Adrian Young and Tom Dumont are each valued at $30 million (£22.3m).

In terms of guest actors, The Simpsons voice legend Harry Shearer, who played Principal Peskin, is the richest with an $85 million (£63.2m) fortune, while future comedy superstar Seth Rogen, who appeared as Bob in 2003, is worth $80 million (£59.5m).

Several important Dawson's Creek performers lack Celebrity Net Worth estimates. Among the most prominent are Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson's mother Gail Leery; Mary Beth Peil, beloved as Jen's grandmother Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan; and Meredith Monroe, who starred as Andie McPhee (pictured).

Others without reliable figures include Nina Repeta, Mark Matkevich, Hal Ozsan, Megan Gray, Obi Ndefo, Roger Howarth, Ian Kahn and Dana Ashbrook, along with numerous actors who appeared in smaller roles throughout the show's six-season run.

James Van Der Beek became a Y2K TV icon as the show's titular character Dawson Leery. Yet, shockingly, his estimated net worth was just $100,000 (£74k) when he died from colorectal cancer in February 2026.

The star's treatment put huge financial strain on Van Der Beek and his family, highlighting how the US healthcare system can leave even relatively wealthy people broke. The actor had to auction treasured show memorabilia to raise money, while a GoFundMe was launched after his death to support his widow Kimberly and their six children, who were at risk of losing their home.

Monica Keena, who played troubled Capeside student Abby Morgan during the show's first two seasons, has the lowest estimate among the surviving recurring cast at $500,000 (£372k). Twin Peaks star Sherilyn Fenn (pictured), who appeared as restaurant manager Alex Pearl in season five, is valued at the same amount.

Meanwhile, Nicole Bilderback has an estimated fortune of $600,000 (£447k). She appeared in five episodes as Heather Tracy, one of Joey's fellow students during the Boston-set college years.

Kerr Smith joined in season two as Jack McPhee (pictured), whose coming out storyline broke new ground. In the 2000 season three finale, Jack shared what is widely regarded as US primetime TV's first passionate kiss between two men.

Also worth an estimated $2 million (£1.5m) are Dylan Neal, who played Pacey's older brother Doug, and John Wesley Shipp, Dawson's father Mitch Leery.

Leann Hunley, who portrayed teacher Tamara Jacobs, Pacey's controversial older love interest, completes the group.

Bianca Kajlich, who took on the role of Dawson's actress girlfriend Natasha Kelly, is valued at $3 million (£2.2m).

Future One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray (pictured), who played womanising musician Charlie Todd, is worth an estimated $4 million (£3m). Sharing that figure are Brittany Daniel, Greg Rikaart, Sarah Shahi and Mädchen Amick, who, like Sherilyn Fenn, is best known for Twin Peaks.

At the top of this wealth bracket is She's All That actress Rachael Leigh Cook, who appeared as Devon. Her fortune is pegged at $5 million (£3.7m).

Busy Philipps joined Dawson's Creek in season five as Joey's outgoing college roommate Audrey Liddell, becoming a principal character for the show's final two seasons. The role also sparked an enduring friendship with co-star Michelle Williams.

Philipps had already won cult status through Freaks and Geeks and later spent six seasons starring alongside Courteney Cox in Cougar Town. More recently, she has appeared in musical comedy Girls5eva, while her career has also included hosting, producing, and writing.

Already familiar to audiences thanks to The Mighty Ducks movies, Joshua Jackson landed the role of Pacey Witter, Dawson's wisecracking best friend and eventual romantic rival. Pacey became one of the show's defining characters, with his relationship with Joey ultimately winning out in the series finale.

Jackson has gone on to build a successful post-Capeside career, starring in Fringe, The Affair, Little Fires Everywhere, and Dr. Death, as well as appearing on stage in London's West End and on Broadway.

Ken Marino appeared in 10 season five episodes as David Wilder, Joey's English literature professor at Worthington University. The pair briefly became romantically involved, but the storyline ended sooner than originally planned after Marino landed another job.

The actor has since become a prolific comedy fixture, with credits including Veronica Mars, Party Down, Childrens Hospital, Wet Hot American Summer, and The Other Two. He has also worked extensively as a writer, producer, and director, including co-penning Role Models.

Season three introduced Henry Parker, a freshman football player who eventually won over Jen Lindley, with Michael Pitt appearing in 15 episodes. Pitt later recalled that co-star Michelle Williams took him "under her wing" during filming, even taking him to a bookstore and recommending books to read.

He has since built a formidable film and TV career, starring in The Dreamers, Funny Games, and Boardwalk Empire, as well as playing Mason Verger in Hannibal.

Pitt has worked as a musician and model as well, including fronting a Prada campaign.

Scott Foley appeared in season one as Cliff Elliot, the high-achieving quarterback and aspiring filmmaker who briefly dated Jen, and found himself competing with Dawson both romantically and creatively.

The five-episode role came just before Foley's breakthrough on Felicity, where he starred as Noel Crane. He has since enjoyed major TV roles in The Unit, Grey's Anatomy and Scandal, as well as parts in movies including Scream 3. The seasoned actor has also moved into writing and directing.

Joey's final major love interest before the series finale was Eddie Doling, played by Oliver Hudson across 16 episodes. The wannabe writer and literature obsessive had a rocky on-off relationship with Joey, repeatedly disappearing from her life before eventually leaving for good.

The son of Goldie Hawn and older brother of Kate Hudson has since become a familiar TV face, starring in Rules of Engagement, Nashville and Splitting Up Together. Away from acting, his work has extended into hosting, producing and podcasting.

As Joey Potter, the female heart of Dawson's Creek, Katie Holmes became a household name, while her salary reportedly climbed from around $30,000 (£22k) per episode to $175,000 (£130k) at its peak.

Her celebrity reached another level after she began dating Tom Cruise in 2005. The couple married in 2006, welcomed daughter Suri and divorced six years later.

Holmes has maintained a substantial acting career, with credits including Batman Begins and Thank You for Smoking, alongside Broadway work and directing.

Jensen Ackles played CJ Braxton, the counsellor who became Jen's final boyfriend, in 12 episodes of the show. The role came after stints in Days of Our Lives and Dark Angel, but his biggest success was still ahead.

Ackles has since become synonymous with Supernatural, starring as demon-hunter Dean Winchester across all 15 seasons of the cult fantasy series, earning a reported $175,000 (£130k) per episode at its peak.

The star is also known for Smallville and The Boys, not to mention his directing and producing work.

As Gretchen Witter, Pacey and Doug's older sister, Sasha Alexander appeared in 20 episodes and became one of Dawson's most significant love interests.

The actress has since become much better known for major roles in NCIS and Rizzoli & Isles, alongside movie appearances including Mission: Impossible III and He's Just Not That Into You.

Celebrity Net Worth estimates her fortune at $20 million (£14.9m), though the figure is combined with that of her husband, director Edoardo Ponti, the son of screen legend Sophia Loren and producer Carlo Ponti.

Michelle Williams gave Dawson's Creek one of its most memorable characters in troubled New Yorker Jen Lindley, whose story ended tragically when she died from a heart condition in the series finale.

Williams has since become the show's most decorated acting graduate as well as its richest principal cast member, earning three Golden Globes and five Academy Award nominations for movies including Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn and Manchester by the Sea.

She also won an Emmy for Fosse/Verdon and has starred in hits such as The Greatest Showman and Venom.

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