'Dawson’s Creek’ Turns 20: All the Guest Stars You May Have Forgotten About (PHOTOS)
Chad Michael Murray
Before breaking big on One Tree Hill, Murray guest-starred on Dawson’s Creek as Charlie Todd, a two-timing musician who cheats on Jen then briefly dates Joey (Katie Holmes).
Seth Rogen
Following his short-lived run on the then under-appreciated Freaks and Geeks, Rogen reunited with co-star Busy Philipps for a one-episode stint on Dawson’s Creek Season 6. True to form, he played a dopey stoner named Bob who road-tripped to California with Joey, Audrey (Philipps), and Eddie (Oliver Hudson).
Ken Marino
Marino (Wet Hot American Summer, Children’s Hospital) may be most recognized for his comedic turns, but he has a serious side, too. Like on Dawson’s Creek Season 5, on which he had a 10-episode arc as Joey’s professor turned love interest David Wilder.
Jane Lynch
Lynch, best known for her 6-year run on Glee, played Pacey’s rarely-seen mother during a Season 4 episode.
Jensen Ackles
Longtime Supernatural star Ackles appeared in Season 6 as C.J., a helpline counselor who Jen develops feelings for and—after a rocky start—eventually dates.
Scott Foley
One of the Scandal actor’s first roles was on Dawson’s Creek. He played high school jock Cliff Elliot in Season 1.
Hilarie Burton
Blink and you may have missed this Lethal Weapon star’s cameo in Dawson’s Creek Season 5. She was an MTV VJ at the time and played herself; Charlie (Murray) tried to hit on her, but Joey warned her away.
Jennifer Morrison
Before landing leads on House and Once Upon A Time, Morrison nabbed a part on Dawson’s Creek Season 5 as Pacey’s one-time girlfriend Melanie, who offers him a job sailing around Greece on a yacht.
Tony Hale
The Arrested Development favorite made a brief appearance on Dawson’s Creek Season 4 as a doctor who informs Dawson (James Van Der Beek) he’ll have to decide whether or not to keep Mr. Brooks (Harve Presnell) on life support.
Rachel Leigh Cook
The same year she starred in She’s All That, Cook popped up in Dawson’s Creek Season 2 as Sammy, the actor who plays Joey in Dawson’s autobiographical film.
Julie Bowen
Two decades ago, Modern Family‘s Bowen played a very different role than Claire Dunphy: Dawson’s fun aunt Gwen in Season 3.
Jonathan Lipnicki
The Jerry Maguire breakout appeared in 3 episodes of Dawson’s Creek Season 3 as Buzz Thompson, an adorable but unruly kid whom Pacey mentors.
Jack Osbourne
The son of metal icon Ozzy Osbourne briefly dabbled in acting in the early 2000s, appearing as himself in 3 episodes of Dawson’s Creek.
Bianca Lawson
After appearing on shows like Sister, Sister and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lawson appeared on Season 3 as Nikki Green, an aspiring director who bonds with Dawson at a film festival.
Melissa McBride
While recovering from his first breakup in Season 1, Dawson meets a flirtatious woman in a bar (named Nina), played by the Walking Dead star.
Ali Larter
The Pitch and Heroes alum played Pacey’s crush, Kristy Livingstone, in Dawson’s Creek Season 2.
Dawson's Creek served as a launching pad for much of its young cast, including Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes.
But across its 5-year, 6-season run, it also played host to an array of famous faces, including the current stars of Scandal and Modern Family. Now, on the 20th anniversary of The WB teen soap's January 20, 1998 premiere, we're looking back at all the guest stars you may have forgotten.
And if you're feeling nostalgic, the entire series is currently streaming on Hulu.
Click through the gallery above for 16 big names who appeared on the show!
