Whatever happened to Joshua Jackson...

...aka Pacey on Dawson's Creek?

Adorably flawed Pacey was originally supposed to be the dorky sidekick to Dawson, who was the more obvious object of affection for teenage girls lusting after a romantic, non-threatening boy. But while idealistic Dawson endlessly questioned himself and his choices, action-driven Pacey knew what he wanted and went after it without hesitation, and soon, much like '90210's' Dylan and 'the O.C's' Seth, Joshua Jackson's portrayal of lovable 'sidekick' Pacey first won over fans, and then Dawson's best-friend/on-off girlfriend Joey soon after, ruining Dawson's hopes of sailing off with her into the sunset. Instead, Pacey whisked Joey away on a sailboat for the summer (giving Dawson a much needed dose of reality, in my opinion!).

Surprisingly, despite his tough-guy act, Pacey was a far better boyfriend than Dawson: committed, steady and loving, and ultimately, it wasn't Pacey's lack of love for Joey, but his lack of self-esteem that destroyed their relationship. But in the end, they were reunited and Pacey & Joey fans the world over breathed a sigh of relief.

Though not typically 'hot', Pacey was always adorable...

Adorable in a coat:

Adorable on a boat:

After Dawson's Creek ended in 2003, he layed pretty low for a few years, with roles in a few small films like the warewolf flick 'Cursed' with Christina Ricci and the Josh/Pacey fan must-see, 'The Safety of Objects' with Patricia Clarkson (warning: have lots of tissues handy).

Joshua's career is looking up, with several major films coming out, including 'Battle In Seattle' with Charlize Theron and Woody Harrelson, and 'The Ring'-like film 'Shutter', and before the writer's strike, he was just about to film a 3 episode guest role as a doctor on Grey's Anatomy: Pacey in Scrubs...be still my heart! Goddam those greedy studio execs! 29 year-old Joshua is currently dating actress Diane Kruger.

Here are some Pacey quotes...

Pacey: Ever stop to think about how much hormonally charged energy you put into the quick quips and biting banter? Your life would be considerably more productive if you took some, what's that word again, oh that's it -- action.

(About Jen)

Dawson: This is not about sex, Pacey it's about romance. You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?

Pacey: Yeah, I do.

Dawson: No you don't because what I was going to say before this "The World According to Pacey" speech is this has nothing to do with the stupid "in" or even getting Jen in the sack. It has to do with one thing.

Pacey: The fact that you are scared. Face it, Dawson, the Jen Lindley you have built up in your mind does not entirely exist, okay? In your movies, she can be whatever you want, but in real life, the scripts got thrown out.

Pacey: (to Joey and Dawson, as they exit) Have fun, kids! (to Jen) Now doesn't that just warm your heart? Kevin and Winnie taking those first tentative steps back to the Wonder Years.

Jen: Actually it just makes me really glad that you and I had the forethought never to hook up.

Pacey: Amen, Sister Christian!

Jen: Why is that, do you think?

Pacey: Well, if you look at the clinical research you'll find that the smart ass side kick? He never gets the girl.

Jen: Oooh.

Pacey: No, the reason there was never a you and me, Lindley, is becaue you and me, we don't need anything from each other.

Jen: I'm sorry, I left my decoder ring back in the cereal box.

Pacey: You see, you, as the girl whose wanton ways had her banished to the boonies, you needed the affection of the unblemished small town pure heart to validate you in your oh-so-vulnerable time. Right?

Jen: Yeah.

Pacey: Me, as the perennial black sheep of the Witter brood, well, I guess I just needed the love and affection of a woman whose drive and devotion would so shame me to the core that it would force me to get in touch with, uh, I don't know, shall we call it, my inner achiever. You and me, we're different. We're on a level playing field.

Jen: God, and I thought that Dawson was good at deconstruction.

Joey: Pacey... This is about how you carried my bag off the bus yesterday. This is about how when we go the the movies, you go and buy popcorn. You always make sure to bring back a napkin so I won't wipe all the grease on my jeans. This is about how just last week when we were at miniature golf, you took all the shots first so I would know the correct path. You taught me how to drive. And last year at prom, you knew the bracelet I was wearing was my mom's. You kissed me first, sweetheart. And the second time, you counted to ten before doing it again just in case I wanted to stop you. You bought me a wall.

Pacey: I didn't buy so much...

Joey: And when we where alone on the boat for three months you understood without a word why I wasn't ready. Do you have to ask me now why I am? Pace... I'm gonna count to ten and I'm gonna start kissing you. And if you don't want me to, you just gonna have to stop me... Ten, my love.

And check out this gorgeous Joey & Pacey fan video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJpE2llZDEw