Although he had been acting professionally since age nine, with a resume including a high-profile role in Disney's successful comedy "The Mighty Ducks" (1992) and its two subsequent sequels, charming Canadian actor Joshua Jackson is probably best known for his work as good-humored Pacey Witter on The WB's sharp teen drama "Dawson's Creek" (1998- ). This son of a casting agent landed a tourism commercial after begging his mother to send him out on auditions. He made his feature debut with a small role in the drama "Crooked Hearts" (1991), a film cast by his mom. A talented newcomer, Jackson got his big break with the plum part of Charlie, the coach's shy prodigy, in the hockey-themed family film "The Mighty Ducks" (1992), a role he would reprise in 1994's "D2: The Mighty Ducks" and 1996's "D3: The Mighty Ducks". Other child roles followed, with a featured part opposite a seal in 1994's "Andre" and a role as Mark Harmon's jaded teen son in the Canadian family film "Magic in the Water" (1995).

Having completed notable television work including a starring role in the engaging ice rink-set Romeo and Juliet-based "Ronnie and Julie" (Showtime) and a featured part in the NBC TV-movie "On the Edge of Innocence" (both 1997), Jackson made his series regular debut as Dawson Leery's clever and easygoing best friend on "Dawson's Creek", created by Kevin Williamson. (Jackson had briefly appeared in 1997's "Scream 2", scripted by Williamson.) His wild first-season storyline placed his character in a romantic entanglement with a beautiful teacher more than twice his age. While this particular plot was arguably sensationalistic, the tall, brown-haired actor's winsome good looks and the air of confidence and mature sensitivity he brought to the role made the liaison plausible. Later episodes would see Pacey deal with an anxiety-ridden girlfriend, sort out his troubled paternal relationship and battle a tyrannical teacher. Jackson's skilled portrayal of the quick-witted and good-natured teen won him many fans and positive critical notice.

1998 saw Jackson's return to the big screen, with a featured part in Bryan Singer's "Apt Pupil", a psychological thriller based on a Stephen King novella, while "Urban Legend" (also 1998) marked the actor's foray into the ubiquitous teen horror genre. Jackson appeared as a blond with a small but pivotal part in a 1999 teen update of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" entitled "Cruel Intentions". In the film, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe, he was featured as gay character Blaine Tuttle. While "Cruel Intentions" received less-than-favorable reviews, the actor's dauntless performance, giving his all in explicit scenes with co-star Eric Mabius, proved that he was serious about his work and should be considered more than just a teen idol. Later that year, Jackson was featured in the college campus-set "Gossip" (2000), giving a stand out performance in an ensemble featuring a host of young up-and-comers. After appearing briefly as himself in the opening scene of the stylish crime-comedy “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), Jackson supplied the voice for the spoiled thoroughbred Trenton’s Pride in the combination live-action and animated family comedy “Racing Stripes” (2005). He then joined the cast of Wes Craven’s “Cursed” (also 2005), penned by Kevin “Scream” Williamson.