Before the Crime Scenes—There Were Lockers, Drama, and Teen Angst
It’s easy to think the original NCIS cast came fully formed—gritty, wise, and ready to take down the bad guys. But long before the explosions and one-liners, a couple of familiar faces from NCIS were living a very different life on-screen.
That’s right—two original NCIS cast members appeared in the same teen drama series back in the day. It was moody. It was emotional. It was peak early-2000s television. And most fans have completely forgotten about this shared chapter.
Flashback Time—The Show Was Dawson’s Creek
Yep, That Dawson’s Creek
Before NCIS became the procedural powerhouse we know today, Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) and Sasha Alexander (Caitlin “Kate” Todd) both made appearances on Dawson’s Creek, the WB’s iconic coming-of-age series that defined teen TV in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
Surprised? You’re not alone.
Michael Weatherly—The Brief but Memorable Cameo
Meet Ben—Jen Lindley’s Almost-Something
Michael Weatherly showed up in Season 2, Episode 6 of Dawson’s Creek, playing Ben, a charming but ultimately short-lived romantic interest for Jen Lindley (played by Michelle Williams).
It was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of role, but Weatherly brought that same easy charisma he’d later pour into DiNozzo. His character didn’t stick around, but hey, even back then he could light up a scene.
Sasha Alexander—Way More Than a Cameo
Gretchen Witter—Pacey’s Big Sister and Dawson’s Love Interest
Sasha Alexander had a recurring role in Season 4 of Dawson’s Creek as Gretchen Witter, the older sister of Pacey (Joshua Jackson) and—plot twist—brief girlfriend of Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek).
Her character was a key part of the storyline for a whole season, giving Sasha way more screen time and character development than Weatherly had. She brought depth, maturity, and some well-needed emotional complexity to the show’s later years.
The On-Screen Paths Never Crossed
Different Seasons, Different Storylines
Here’s the wild part: they never shared a scene. Michael Weatherly’s appearance was a one-episode wonder in Season 2 (1998), while Sasha Alexander didn’t arrive until Season 4 (2000). So even though they technically acted on the same show, they never actually acted together.
Still, it’s fascinating to think two of the earliest faces we knew on NCIS once walked the teen TV halls of Capeside—just at different times.
From Teen Drama to Primetime TV Royalty
Their Careers Took a Sharp Turn
After their Dawson’s Creek days, both actors jumped into roles that couldn’t be more different from the world of high school heartbreak.
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Michael Weatherly joined NCIS in 2003 as the wisecracking, flirtatious Tony DiNozzo—a character fans instantly loved and followed for 13 seasons.
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Sasha Alexander debuted in the pilot as Agent Caitlin Todd. Though her time was cut short (more on that below), her impact was major—setting a tone of intellect, strength, and tragedy in Season 2.
NCIS Didn’t Forget Either
Quiet Nods to Their Past Work
Fans have long speculated that some of the subtle quirks in DiNozzo’s character—like his obsession with pop culture and youth references—were cheeky nods to Weatherly’s early acting days, including Dawson’s Creek.
While NCIS never made direct references, it’s fun to imagine DiNozzo cracking a joke about “high school drama” with just a little extra twinkle in his eye.
Why This Connection Matters
It Shows the Range of These Actors
It’s easy to pigeonhole TV actors, especially when they play iconic characters for years. But this little-known connection proves just how versatile both Weatherly and Alexander are.
Going from emotionally complicated teens to federal agents isn’t just a genre switch—it’s a whole different acting muscle. And both pulled it off beautifully.
A Fun Fact to Drop on Fellow NCIS Fans
Next time someone brings up Tony or Kate, drop this bombshell:
“Did you know both actors were in Dawson’s Creek?”
Trust me—it’s a conversation starter, especially if they love a good throwback.
Would a Teen Drama Version of NCIS Even Work?
Imagine Young Gibbs in High School…
Okay, hear me out—what if NCIS: Origins leaned into a teen drama vibe? Young Gibbs navigating teenage angst, military brat life, and his first heartbreak, all while solving petty campus crimes.
It probably wouldn’t fly, but honestly? I’d watch at least three episodes.
Conclusion: From Capeside to the Crime Lab
It’s easy to forget where your favorite stars got their start. But hidden in the archives of Dawson’s Creek are early glimpses of two NCIS greats—Michael Weatherly and Sasha Alexander—cutting their teeth on teen drama before jumping into crime-solving greatness.
Whether you’re a fan of NCIS, Dawson’s Creek, or both, it’s a fun reminder that even TV legends had humble beginnings—and sometimes, they were in the same high school hallway.
FAQs
1. Which NCIS cast members were on Dawson’s Creek?
Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) and Sasha Alexander (Kate Todd) both had roles in Dawson’s Creek.
2. Did they appear in the same episodes?
Nope! Weatherly appeared in Season 2, and Alexander was featured in Season 4. They never shared a scene.
3. What roles did they play?
Weatherly played Ben, a brief love interest for Jen. Alexander played Gretchen Witter, Pacey’s sister and Dawson’s girlfriend.
4. Is this Dawson’s Creek connection well known?
Not really! Many NCIS fans have no idea both actors were in the show, especially since they never overlapped.
5. Are there other NCIS actors with surprising early roles?
Absolutely—Mark Harmon had a long list of roles before NCIS, including St. Elsewhere and The West Wing. Sean Murray was in Hocus Pocus! There’s a whole rabbit hole to explore.
