James William Van Der Beek , Jr. ( born March 8 , 1977 ) is an American television and movie actor . He is best known for his role as Dawson Leery in Dawson 's Creek alongside Katie Holmes . James William Van Der Beek , Jr. ( born March 8 , 1977 ) is an American television , film , and stage actor , known for his portrayal of Dawson Leery in The WB series Dawson 's Creek .