For many years, followers of the popular television series 'Dawson's Creek' have pondered whether the romantic entanglements depicted on screen mirrored real-life relationships among the cast. Now, a recent memoir by one of the show's actors sheds light on these long-held suspicions, confirming a hidden romantic dynamic that significantly impacted the show's production and cast interactions.
During its run from 1998 to 2003, 'Dawson's Creek' captivated audiences with the intricate love story involving Joey, portrayed by Katie Holmes, her lifelong friend Dawson, played by James Van Der Beek, and her passionate connection with Pacey, brought to life by Joshua Jackson. The drama wasn't confined to the script, however, as revealed by Kerr Smith, who joined the cast in the second season.
Smith's memoir, 'I Don't Want To Wait,' details an unspoken rivalry between Van Der Beek and Jackson, who were initially roommates. By the time Smith joined, their living arrangements had changed, reflecting a deeper, more 'complicated' rift between them. Smith refers to this situation as the 'worst-kept secret' on set, a meta-love triangle involving the two male leads and an actress resembling Joey Potter, implicitly pointing to Katie Holmes.
While Holmes has never explicitly confirmed a relationship with Van Der Beek, her romance with Jackson was openly acknowledged, lasting for a year. Nonetheless, an insider previously shared with the Daily Mail that an off-screen love triangle did indeed exist, stating that "James and Katie dated for a bit" and that their on-set relationship was an open secret. Susanne Daniels, a former president at WB during the show's airing, corroborated this, noting that Holmes transitioned from dating Van Der Beek to Jackson, leading to the latter two no longer sharing accommodations.
Smith, who was 26 at the time—older than his co-stars who were in their late teens and early twenties—defends his castmates, attributing their romantic entanglements to their youth and attractiveness. Despite the underlying tensions, professionalism always prevailed during filming. However, off-camera, a noticeable silence existed between Van Der Beek and Jackson. Smith recalls, "I can't recall a single conversation between them. They didn't hang out. They didn't interact off set. It wasn't dramatic, and it didn't get in the way of anything that mattered. It was simply... a thing that existed." This unspoken rivalry continued for most of the second season, creating an awkward atmosphere.
The tension was so evident that Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson's mother, described it as "life imitating art," with the real-life Dawson-Pacey dynamic unfolding over a girl. After 25 years, Humes revealed to Smith that "Everyone was aware of it. It was a bit uncomfortable to be around... and also sad to watch." This led her to intervene, brokering a peace. She insisted that Van Der Beek attend a private screening of Jackson's new movie, 'The Skulls,' despite his initial refusal. During the drive, Humes emphasized the importance of unity for the show's future, encouraging him to be the "bigger man." Van Der Beek heeded her advice, leading to a noticeable shift in the atmosphere and a heartfelt reconciliation between the two actors. He expressed his gratitude to Humes, calling her "Mom."
This pivotal moment, as described by Smith, underscored the deep, albeit sometimes strained, bonds within the 'Dawson's Creek' community. It demonstrated their ability to overcome personal conflicts for the sake of their shared work. Holmes has since referred to Jackson as her "first love," and their friendship has endured, with her directing him in a recent film. Earlier this year, she also acknowledged her on-screen chemistry with Van Der Beek. Following Van Der Beek's passing from colorectal cancer at 48, Holmes paid a moving tribute, praising his compassion, bravery, and the beautiful life he built with his family, emphasizing her gratitude for having shared a part of his journey.
