Actress Busy Philipps recently captivated fans with a whirlwind of events, making her highly anticipated red carpet debut with new boyfriend, Blake Berris, at the Daytime Emmy Awards, while simultaneously rekindling nostalgia with a memorable Dawson’s Creek reunion that included a viral kiss with co-star Joshua Jackson.
The past month has been nothing short of a fan-favorite spectacle, as beloved actress Busy Philipps delivered a dual dose of excitement that spanned both her personal life and her enduring connection to iconic teen drama, Dawson’s Creek. From a dazzling red carpet debut with her new beau to a much-talked-about reunion kiss, Philipps has once again proven her ability to captivate audiences and ignite nostalgic fervor among fans.
Red Carpet Radiance: Busy Philipps’ Debut with Blake Berris at the Daytime Emmys
On October 17, 2025, at the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Pasadena, California, Busy Philipps, known for her roles in Girls5eva and Cougar Town, made headlines for her official red carpet debut with boyfriend Blake Berris. The couple looked stunning, with Philipps, 46, gracing the event in a long red strapless dress, and Berris, 41, sporting a sharp navy suit.
Berris, a veteran of the Peacock soap Days of Our Lives, was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Everett. While he didn’t take home the Emmy – the honor went to Jonathan Jackson of General Hospital – his nomination highlighted his significant contributions to daytime television. Berris had previously appeared on Days of Our Lives as Nick Fallon, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Young Actor in a Drama Series in 2006, before returning to play Everett in 2023 and departing in July 2024.
This public appearance marked a significant step for the couple, following their previous spotting at the premiere of Nobody Wants This Season 2 on October 16, 2025. While neither Philipps nor Berris has publicly commented on their new romance, Philipps’ representative did confirm the relationship to People magazine. This marks Philipps’ first public relationship since her 2021 split from husband Marc Silverstein, while Berris was previously married to Alexandra McGuinness.
A Pacey-Audrey Kiss for the Ages: The Dawson’s Creek Pilot Reading Reunion
Weeks before her Emmy appearance, Busy Philipps was part of another highly anticipated event that sent Dawson’s Creek fans into a frenzy. On September 22, 2025, the original cast reunited for a staged reading of the pilot episode at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City. This special benefit performance aimed to support actor James Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023 and announced his diagnosis in 2024, and the organization F Cancer.
While James Van Der Beek unfortunately could not attend due to illness, he sent a heartfelt video message, with Lin-Manuel Miranda stepping in to read the leading role of Dawson Leery. The star-studded event included original cast members such as Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. Philipps, who joined the series in Season 5 as Audrey Liddell, read the role of Pacey’s English teacher, Tamara Jacobs.
The moment that truly captured the audience’s imagination was an unscripted, passionate kiss between Philipps and Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter). Philipps revealed to People magazine that she initiated the idea, asking Jackson, “I mean, we could really kiss.” Jackson enthusiastically responded, “I’m in. I think we got to give the people what they want.” The surprise was palpable even for Philipps, as Jackson unexpectedly dipped her during the smooch. Despite their undeniable on-screen chemistry, Philipps clarified that their romance never extended beyond their characters, stating, “we spent a lot of time making out when we were on that show—only for the show. We never made out in real life.”
Bridging Worlds: Days of Our Lives and Dawson’s Creek Connections
The Daytime Emmys also offered a sweet, albeit smaller, Dawson’s Creek reunion for Philipps. She reconnected with her former co-star, Greg Rikaart, who played David, Jack’s (Kerr Smith) boyfriend in Season 6 of the teen drama. Philipps and Rikaart were spotted embracing and chatting on the red carpet, a moment that delighted long-time fans.
The connection runs even deeper, as Greg Rikaart currently stars on Days of Our Lives as Leo, where he worked alongside Philipps’ new boyfriend, Blake Berris. Rikaart was nominated in the Lead Actor category at the Emmys, an honor that ultimately went to his and Berris’ co-star, Paul Telfer (Xander), as reported by TV Insider. This overlap created an unexpected network of connections between the cast members from different beloved series.
The wider Dawson’s Creek pilot reading reunion also saw numerous other cast members gather, including Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, and Meredith Monroe. This event, produced by Michelle Williams and series creator Kevin Williamson, underscored the strong bonds forged during the show’s original run and the collective desire to support a friend in need.
The Enduring Legacy of Dawson’s Creek for Fans
The continued interest in Busy Philipps’ career and personal life, particularly when intertwined with Dawson’s Creek, speaks volumes about the show’s lasting impact. For a fan community like onlytrustedinfo.com, these reunions are more than just news; they are cherished moments that bring beloved characters and the actors who played them back into the spotlight.
The viral kiss between Philipps and Jackson at the reading is a testament to the powerful nostalgia and emotional connection fans still hold for the series, especially for the enduring love triangle and friendships that defined Capeside. Such moments, along with the collective support for James Van Der Beek’s health journey, exemplify the unique bond that classic shows like Dawson’s Creek foster within their dedicated fan base, ensuring their legacy lives on through every reunion and shared memory.
