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E! Online, Meet the Stars

Katie Holmes

Her character: Joey Potter, a smart-mouthed girl from the wrong side of the tracks, is Dawson's oldest childhood chum. Her dad's in prison, her mom died of cancer, she lives with her older sister, who happens to be pregnant by her black boyfriend. (That carries mucho shock value in a small town like Capeside.) Oh yeah, she's also secretly in love with Dawson.

Her background: It's a quick trip from Holmes' hometown of Toledo to Dawson's Creek. The 18-year-old's only previous professional gig came last year in Ang Lee's acclaimed film The Ice Storm.

Her words: "Joey's full of emotions," says Holmes. "I'm like her in that we both say what we feel, but Joey goes a little further. I wouldn't say a lot of the things she says."

She realizes she's about to become a fixation for adolescent boys from coast to coast. That doesn't mean she's ready for it. The 18-year-old native of Toledo still sees herself as "naive and sheltered." And that makes sense. Her role as Joey Potter on the WB's heavily hyped coming-of-age drama Dawson's Creek is just Holmes' second professional gig.

But she's got Hollywood talking. Her Joey is innocent, sassy, honest and wise beyond her years--in other words, the sort of character for which Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson (Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer) has become known.

"She's awkward," says Holmes, "but I'm like her, in that I'm more tomboy than I am cool." Despite her lack of experience, she acquits herself nicely, just as she did last year in her acting debut, as Tobey Maguire's love interest in Ang Lee's The Ice Storm.

Dawson's Creek isn't the only dance on Katie's card. She's also set to play a teen from the wrong side of the tracks in the upcoming Disturbing Behavior. "Nose ring and everything," she says.

Beyond that? Well, there is one dream she'd like to live out: "A date with Leonardo DiCaprio." Sounds like she's getting the hang of this Hollywood thing. --Amanda Rudolph

E! Online, Fall TV Preview

Dawson's Creek
WB, Tuesday 8:00-9:00 (coming in December)

Party of whatever. This coming-of-age story is set in a Boston suburb, with Dawson, a 15-year-old Spielberg wannabe; Joey, a tomboy from a broken home; Pacey, a sarcastic guy's guy bursting with hormones; and Jennifer, a beauty who somehow bypassed the awkward years. Together, they learn about friendship, love, sex and stuff like that. Creator Kevin Williamson (Scream) may have found the correct angle on the essence of teen living: It's scary as hell.

Starring: James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams

Ultimate TV, Dawson's Creek and the Houses of Worship

Katie Holmes: 8

Anybody who's seen her photo spread in Seventeen magazine knows that seventeen isn't what it used to be - or maybe never was. Suffice to stay that the shy young star is popular. In fact, Holmes is the cast member who has invoked the most worship.

Ultimate TV, "Dawson's" Chic: Cover Kids

"Dawson's" Chic: Cover Kids

By Jessica Wallenfels and N.F. Mendoza

Forget Tiffany diamonds and BMWs. Collectors' edition TV Guide covers are the new status symbol for TV stars. Assigning two or more covers to one week's issue of TV Guide has been saved for TV's most-acclaimed hours; "Star Trek: Voyager," the anniversary of Elvis' death, "The X-Files," "The Simpsons," and the Nagano Winter Olympic Games. But now, a little teen drama on the netlet WB network nabs enough clout to merit four different covers -- one for each budding star of the ensemble: James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams -- from the king of all listings' (and all magazines in general, for that matter) publications. "Collect all four," the magazine's ads tantalize.

Ari Karpel, one of TV Guide's publicity directors, tells UltimateTV the decision to put America's Most Self Aware Teenagers in the spotlight was neither hasty nor unanticipated. Buzz was strong on the controversial show nine months before the show bowed; Guide editors decided to stake out the show for break-out potential. "I wouldn't say we were banking on it, but we were getting the feeling it was going to be [popular]," Karpel says. "So we said, well, let's keep an eye on it." Karpel added that with the surge of attention being fed The Spice Girls' musical stylings, and the smash hit film, "Titanic," it seemed "a strong moment for teens." While the publication wants you to collect 'em all, the four covers seem to invite a Beatlesesque favoritism (rumors are rampant that the Holmes cover is the most popular). However, Karpel maintains that each star had an equal amount of covers printed. As for tracking who sells the most magazines, TV Guide isn't interested. Simply catching the wave of "Dawson's" fever is enough for the magazine with a circulation of 13 million. Karpel asserts, "None of the other big magazines have done it."

For Ted Johnson, who wrote the accompanying article months before the show debuted, 'Dawson's' success came as no surprise. Johnson had pulled out his advance copies of "Dawson's Creek" on Christmas Eve, and found his young nieces more enthralled by Dawson, Pacey, Joey and Jen than by their own presents. "They watched all four of them," Johnson attests. The "Dawson's Creek" cast's charisma is further proved by the many other magazine covers -- "React," the Parade publication for teens (which has a very large circulation), Seventeen, YM and more. The attractive quartet even "acted" as models for the Spring '98 J. Crew catalog, "Freestyle," with clothing geared for younger consumers. The popular sportswear company is the series' official wardrobe provider. "I fell in love with the show, the cast, the location, the story, the dialogue!" gushes Emily Woods, J.Crew Chairman and CEO. "We are very excited to be working with 'Dawson's.'" J. Crew's wardrobe affliation marks the first time the quality, casual conservative sportswear line has provided clothing for a dramatic series. Previously, the company dressed Martha Stewart for her CBS show, "Martha Stewart Living." Wilmington, N.C., where "Dawson's Creek" is shot, just happens to look like the setting of a J. Crew catalogue.

While Wilmington is the third most-filmed city in America (after New York and Los Angeles), it remains isolated from Tinseltown. Of the semi-protected, soon-to-be teen idols, TV Guide's Johnson says, "I don't think they were fully aware" of what the writer calls the "publicity blitz" that ensued since his interview. Certainly the series own net has devoted much time and money into the promotion of the decidedly engaging series, with trailers for the drama airing two months before its actual premiere. "Dawson's" lead-in "Buffy" has proved a solid hit and each "Buffy" ends with the provocative "a new 'Dawson's Creek' begins in just minutes," confirming to teens audiences that the drama that follows isn't just a TV series, it's an event. So start 'yer collecting early -- rush out and grab all the covers (including all four TV Guide versions). Don't forget J.Crew's "Freestyle" catalogue so you can look like the "Dawson's" teens even if you can't talk like them (don't worry, no one, not even the clever thirtysomethings who write the series actually spout such articulate, cerebral wisdom).

UltimateTV: hey everybody, Katie Holmes will be coming in five minutes!

UltimateTV: She stars as Joey on "Dawson's Creek"

UltimateTV: We are just trying to get settled here at the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena

louise: KATIE: How did you prepare for being 'messed up' in The Ice Storm?

WB STAR: Katie: I didn't have any experience with drugs, but I'd seen people who were drunk and high, and they always acted really tired, so that's the way I went.

louise: KATIE Are you going to be in Kevin Williamson's next movie?

WB STAR: Katie: I have no idea. I'd love to be in his next movie, but who knows?

louise: KATIE How hands on is Ang Lee?

WB STAR: Katie: He's very. When I first arrived on the set, he took me into the trailer and explained the part and made sure I was comfortable with it.

WB STAR: He had a great repore with the crew, he helped a lot.

louise: KATIE: Do you hang out with the Dawson's cast offscreen?

WB STAR: Yes

WB STAR: In Wilmington, we're kind of forced to.

WB STAR: The crew is great

louise: KATIE How tall are you?

WB STAR: Katie: 5'8"

louise: KATIE: Would you want to be cast in a period piece, like Sense & Sensibility?

WB STAR: Yes, Ii'd love to.

LiveChatGuide: Keep you questions coming.

elliot: KATIE: If you are an incarnation of one of the original bratpackers (Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Mare Winningham, Molly Ringwald) who would you say you most closely emulate (not necessarily in looks)?

WB STAR: Katie: Molly Ringwald. Minus the red hair.

WB STAR: q: why?

WB STAR: Katie: She always played the characters the tomboy, whiney characters.

Jose: KATIE: What are the similarities between you and Joey?

WB STAR: Joey is the girl who usually doesn't get the guys,

WB STAR: I didn't in high school.

WB STAR: She's a nice person

WB STAR: She mantains.

tvspy: KATIE: Who's the most underrated actor working today?

WB STAR: Katie: There's a lot of talented actors out there that don't always get all the buzz and the covers of the magazines.

WB STAR: Katie: I can't think of one single one.

BubbaJoe: If Oliver Stone and Woody Allen both wanted you to be in their next films and you had a schedule conflict, who would you choose to work with?

WB STAR: Oliver Stone

WB STAR: q: Why?

WB STAR: I enjoy a lot of his movies

LiveChatGuide: That was a tough question...

Willy: KATIE Are you going to work with Ang Lee again?

Jake: KATIE: Are you going to be in Scream 3?

WB STAR: Katie: I can't predict the future, but I'd love to.

WB STAR: Katie: I don't know.

elliot: KATIE: Does Ang Lee talk alot with his actors or does he just block the scene and let you have at it?

WB STAR: Katie: He blocks the scene, lets you try it out, gives you input. Very hands on.

UltimateTV: What was it like working with Tobey Maguire

UltimateTV: 'Is he as handsome as he looks on screen?

WB STAR: It was great, he's a very talented actor, he was very generous as an actor, and a great friend

WB STAR: Mmm-hmmm

UltimateTV: Talk about coming to Hollywood

WB STAR: Katie: It was a dream. Going from a high school musical to go to this pilot. Getting to meet all these people.

WB STAR: Katie: Forming all these friendships, and all this buzz... it's crazy.

UltimateTV: Do you feel overwhelmed by the whirlwind of sucess

WB STAR: A little, but it's exciting

UltimateTV: Where you do you see yourself in ten years

WB STAR: Katie: Married, with 1.5 children. (laughs) I hope I'm at a nice place in my career, hope I'm starting college or have already gone, I hope I'm in love... to just be comfortable...

UltimateTV: What is a good place in your career?

WB STAR: I want to do things that are interesting and help me grow as an actor.

WB STAR: Do things that make me happy; projects that make me happy.

WB STAR: q: Are you ready for the fan mail?

WB STAR: Katie: Sure. Hey, if somebody wants to write me.

UltimateTV: How is it playing a such a tender age when youre just out of that period

WB STAR: It's nice to be older because you can look at the big picture, you can remember how you felt.

WB STAR: I relate to it so much - I was just there.

WB STAR: Vancouver

WB STAR: q: Where will you be when the show premieres?

WB STAR: Vancouver

WB STAR: I'll be by myself.

UltimateTV: what was it like having your head in tobey maguire's lap?

WB STAR: My mom wasn't in the room so that was good.

WB STAR: It was kind of embarrassing.

WB STAR: I had to be mature and not giggle.

WB STAR: Katie: Bye, everybody! Thanks!

UltimateTV: Well, that was one beautiful young woman.

UltimateTV: She's gonna be a big fat star really soon, and you chatted with her first

UltimateTV: I don't mean fat in the physical sense...

KATIE HOLMES
By N.F. Mendoza
Managing Editor, UltimateTV News

Easily the standout in an engaging, attractive cast, Katie Holmes is everything an actress should be: talented at her craft, mesmerizing to watch and sincerely relatable.

She's also stunningly gorgeous in a "joy-to-watch-grow-up" kind of way.

As Joey Potter, childhood chum to lead Dawson (James Van Der Beek), Holmes is unselfconscious, while at the same time completely self-conscious, a budding heartbreaker without a clue. Intellectual and effectual, she's the voice of reason, of reality, of cynicism in her tight group of friends that also includes witty and edgy Pacey (Joshua Jackson, another stunner) and the haltingly coy bombshell Jenn (Michelle Williams).

If Holmes seems like someone you know or once knew (and obviously someone you wished you knew), that's because she comes from the heartland - Toledo, Ohio, to be exact. While she acted some in high school, she was convinced that she was GU (geographically undesirable) for a career as an actor.

But, as fate and luck would have it, Holmes, attending a New York modeling and talent convention, met up with an agent who encouraged her to pursue a career - and come to Los Angeles during pilot season, when hordes of aspiring actors descend upon the city of angels in the hopes of "the big break."

And you know how they say some people were just "born with it?" Well, that would be Holmes, because for her very first professional audition, she wowed the casting director for Ang Lee's now acclaimed feature film "The Ice Storm."

The much-talked about Fox Searchlight release won the screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival and starred Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Elijah Wood and Joan Allen. The slice-of-life art house film about the sexual revolution of the 1970s featured Holmes as the love interest of Toby Maguire.

A key turn to her role was a party scene, in which her character imbibes. Of the scene, Holmes tells UltimateTV, "I didn't have any experience with drugs, but I'd seen people who were drunk and high, and they always acted really tired, so that's the way I went." She also relished working with "Sense & Sensibility" director Ang Lee

"When I first arrived on the set, he took me into the trailer and explained the part and made sure I was comfortable with it," she recalls. "He had a great rapport with the crew, he helped a lot. He blocks the scene, lets you try it out, gives you input. Very hands on."

Holmes returned home for her senior year and her class production of "Damn Yankees" - she even opted out of pilot season that year so that she could appear as sizzling "Lola."

For the "Dawson's" audition, she sent a videotape of herself and received a call back - but the date conflicted with the show's opening night and, concerned about her classmates, she chose to take to the stage.

Fortunately for Holmes, "Dawson's" and viewers, the audition was rescheduled. Holmes, while exuding more overt maturity than Joey, is certainly as self-effacing. She tells UltimateTV, "Joey is the girl who usually doesn't get the guys...I didn't (get guys) in high school...She's a nice person...She maintains."

Eighteen-year-old Holmes (who, of all her cast mates, actually most looks the part) says of playing a 15- year-old, "It's nice to be older because you can look at the big picture, you can remember how you felt...I relate to it so much - I was just there."

"It was a dream," Holmes says of her souped-up career. "Going from a high school musical to go to this pilot. Getting to meet all these people...Forming all these friendships, and all this buzz...it's crazy." While a little overwhelmed, she's still excited by it all and is ready for fan mail, that is, "if somebody wants to write me."

She also tells UltimateTV that in 10 years she sees herself "Married, with 1.5 children," and adds with a laugh, "I hope I'm at a nice place in my career, hope I'm starting college or have already gone, I hope I'm in love... to just be comfortable... I want to do things that are interesting and help me grow as an actor...Do things that make me happy; projects that make me happy."

Hey, we at UltimateTV will be happy as long as Katie Holmes keeps working.

YM Magazine, Kevin on Katie

Holmes Sweet Holmes...............

When Kevin Williamson, writer of the Scream movies and creator of the hit TV show Dawson’s Creek, agreed to guest-edit this issue of YM, he had one demand: I get to interview Katie Holmes, the 19 year old star of Dawson’s Creek, Disturbing Behavior, and the upcoming Killing Mrs. Tingle. We said fine, as long as he got the scoop on her killer career, love life, and most embarrassing moments. Well, two outta three ain’t bad. Check out this hilarious sparring match between buds Kevin and Katie................... A little back story.

My first encounter with Katie Holmes was watching a videotape her mother sent to us. The tape showed Katie in her Ohio basement, auditioning for the role of Joey on Dawson’s Creek. Her mom played Dawson. I’ll never forget the day when, after weeks of searching for the right actress to play the virtuoso role of Joey, we got her tape. After viewing it, everyone in the room was speechless.............................

My first response was, How fast can we get her here? Unfortunately, she wasn’t available. She was starring in her high school production of Damn Yankees. She refused to ditch her classmates to run off to Hollywood to audition. My response? I wanted her even more. Katie Holmes has that quality. That unique combination of talent, beauty, and skill that makes Hollywood come calling. But that’s just the beginning. To meet her is to instantly fall under her spell.

She is that rare jewel, the real deal. In one word: hypnotic, smart, funny, sweet, shy, boisterous, sneaky, talented, pretty, soulful, sleek, sophisticated, innocent, naïve, comical, womanly, childish, caring, gracious, dependable, nurturing, protective, generous I could go on......................

Now, with the first season of Dawson’s Creek in the can, we’re sitting on the set of my first movie as a director, Killing Mrs. Tingle, which I also wrote. From the moment I met Katie, I wanted her to play Leigh Ann, the young and smart small-town girl who finds herself in a strange predicament one week before graduation. The situations are a little different, but Katie can relate: Her last week before graduation was spent planning her move to Hollywood.................

Now, we sit in her trailer eating Jelly Belly jelly beans. She’s partial to Buttered Popcorn, while I stick to my favorites, Green Apple and Hawaiian Punch........................

KEVIN WILLIAMSON: Here we are, Katie Holmes and two pounds of jelly beans. Let the sugar rush begin.

KATIE HOLMES: Thank you.

KW: This being my first time as an interviewer please cut me some slack. I know you’ve been interviewed a lot lately, and I’ll try to ask some questions that don’t seem too dumb. First up: What’s the stupidest question you’ve been asked by interviewers?

KH: That’s a stupid question.

KW: Why do you do this to me? You know I’m nervous and insecure.

KH: That’s why. She hits the interviewer playfully.

KW: Let’s start again. And could you answer the question this time?

KH: Sure, I was asked, If you could be any part of the turkey, what would you be? Exciting, right? I came up with the wishbone. I don’t know, I tried to be clever, but I don’t think it worked.

KW: What’s the most exciting thing in you life at the moment?

KH: I get to do what I love every single day with people whom I have incredible friendships with. Oh, and at this exact moment, these buttered popcorn jelly beans are pretty exciting.

KW: If you could change on thing in history, what would it be?

KH: Slavery and its repercussions racism, prejudice, divided people. Why do I feel like I’m running for Miss America?

KW: If I opened your refrigerator, what would I find?

KH: Diet coke, water, and cookie dough.

KW: What book do you have lying by your bed?

KH: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

KW: What CDs do you have in your stereo?

KH: Well, currently my favorite singer is Sarah McLachlan, so I have a couple of her CDs in my stereo. I also love Tracy Chapman and Frank Sinatra.

KW: What was the last movie you saw?

KH: I think it was Titanic. Isn’t that pathetic? I’m so behind. There are so many I want to see. Who am I kidding? It’s pathetic because I’ve seen it about five times.

KW: What’s the one thing you wouldn’t want anyone to know about you?

KH: Okay, I’ll just divulge that info to you right now, no problem.

KW: Now for some serious, work-related questions. Let’s start by talking about your new thriller, Disturbing Behavior. What made you want to be in this movie?

KH: They hired me! Can I say that?

KW: You can say anything. It was your first lead in a feature film; you had played a supporting role in The Ice Storm. What was the difference between playing your character in Storm and doing a leading role?

KH: My character in DB was totally different from anyone I have ever played. She’s the wrong-side-of-the-tracks kind of girl who has experienced so much, and in The Ice Storm, I played a girl who was somewhat innocent the popular and wealthy girl at school whom everyone was jealous of. On Dawson’s Creek I’m the tomboy who is also rather innocent, so this girl was a chance to explore another side of me.

KW: What was the experience of making the film like?

KH: We shot it in Vancouver, and I got to work with one of the directors from The X-Files. It was exciting; it was kind of a dark story, and we shot a lot of nights, so it was cold and rainy and somewhat miserable. But it was fun. Jimmy Marsden and Nick Stahl were just a pleasure to be around. Jimmy and I got along great.

KW: Did you make friends with most of the people in the movie?

KH: I was the only girl. I mean there were other girls that I didn’t really work with, so I hung out with Jimmy and Nick a lot and got the male perspective on a lot of things. I don’t know that I really need the male perspective I got on those things.

KW: For instance? What male perspective?

KH: How they view women, dating, stuff like that.

KW: And how did they both view women?

KH: I don’t know! They gave me a different answer every time. Sometimes they liked skinny girls and sometimes they liked the shapely ones. It depended on the guy. It’s very frustrating.

KW: Were either of them pranksters?

KH: Not pranksters, but Jimmy imitated other people, and he would get these cheesy romance novels off the set and act like they were his, just to crack people up.

KW: What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you while filming Disturbing Behavior?

KH: There are so many! It was the first time I ever had to do a major love scene. I thought it went okay, but over the next couple of days I heard people say that when the crew saw the dailies they were like, Oh it was so funny! After the first take you giggled a whole bunch. They could see that it showed my immaturity.

KW: Let’s talk about Tingle for a moment. What do you like about the project? The role of Leigh Ann? Be nice.

KH: I love playing the role of Leigh Ann because she is the strongest female character I’ve ever played. There are so many factors working against her that she could use as excuses for not reaching her goals. Yet inside, she chooses to overcome her obstacles and achieve her dreams. She’s a fighter. The people I get to work with [on Tingle] are not only exceptional talents but also wonderful, genuine people. What a treat! The writer is kind of weird, but the director is really nice.

KW: Easy. Who are you dating?

KH: Next question.

KW: Okay. Name your favorite food.

KH: Jelly beans. Do you even have to ask?

KW: And who are you dating? I’m sorry. I missed your answer.

KH: Okay, um, cookie dough! Oh, and I really love cookie dough. Did I mention that?

KW: Which character is more like you? You’re the rich princess in The Ice Storm, you’re the lovelorn tomboy on Dawson’s Creek, and you’re the rough and turbulent love doll in Disturbing Behavior. And now, in Killing Mrs.Tingle, you’re playing the overly ambitious A-student.

KH: [joking] definitely the princess in The Ice Storm. No, definitely Joey on Dawson’s Creek. I think for TV you need to be close to the character, since you’re doing it every day and for so long.

KW: What’s the difference between working on Dawson’s Creek and working on a major motion picture?

KH: When you’re taping a TV series, you have one shot to get the week’s story right. But your character in a film doesn’t grow as much as a TV character grows over the course of a series. Still, film acting is more challenging, because you have more time to make the character a lot different from yourself.

KW: Enough about work. Where are you living now?

KH: In a hotel.

KW: You live in a hotel in L.A.?

KH: Yep. And I’m going to get a permanent place in Wilmington [NC] because that’s where we shoot Dawson’s Creek.

KW: How often do you get home to Ohio? Are you homesick?

KH: In the last year I’ve been back three times: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and in the spring.
I do get homesick, but I’m enjoying this new life experience, and who knows how long it’s going to last?

KW: Do you miss Wilmington when you’re not there?

KH: I miss the people a lot. I also miss the restaurants. I know that when we go back, the novelty will wear off being in a small town with not a lot to do.

KW: What do you love the most and hate the worst about L.A.?

KH: What I hate the worst is the traffic, the constant commotion, and the high energy, which is draining. What I like the best are the newsstands. I don’t have those in Toledo.

KW: Do you have a lot of time to date, currently, with your busy movie schedule?

KH: Yes.

KW: Okay. Thank you for elaborating so profoundly on that question. So whom are you dating?

KH: Nice try. Subtle. You know, the way you kinda just slipped it through with the movie stuff.

KW: If you don’t tell me whom you’re dating, I’m gonna create a scandal and tell everyone you’re Leonardo DiCaprio’s love slave and pregnant with his child.

KH: That scandal would work in my favor.

KW: You know I know whom you’re dating and could easily slip and spill the beans.

KH: And I could easily slip with a little information of my own regarding a certain someone you’ve been caught with

KW: So. What’s your favorite food?

KH: Jelly beans and cookie dough. We high-five.

KW: Okay, let’s redirect. What is the most romantic date you’ve ever been on?

KH: One time I got caught in a rainstorm with somebody, and we were dancing in the street. It was pretty romantic.

KW: Have you ever made the first move with a guy?

KH: Um let’s just say that I’ve made it known to that person that my feelings for him went past friendship.

KW: What’s the best way to tell a guy you like him?

KH: I think the best approach to letting a guy know you like him is totally ignoring him, even though in my last statement I just said to let him know.

KW: Does that advice come from experience?

KH: Yes.

KW: How has your life changed in the past year?

KH: Well, this whole year has been overwhelming. I graduated from high school, and everything happened very quickly. The opportunity to be connected to a successful TV show has definitely changed my life! I work with people that I never thought I would be able to work with, and I travel and challenge myself at what I like to do.

KW: Is there anything you’d like to share with the YM readers before we sign off?

KH: Watch less TV. Read more.

KW: Cut. Print. That’s a wrap.

YM Magazine: Katie's Best Friend Speaks!!

A junior at Ohio State University, Meghann Birie watched Dawson's Creek every Wednesday, just like millions of other fans. Some nights, after the show is over, the phone will ring and one of her roommates will get it. "They'll put their hands over the phone and say, 'It's Katie Holmes!'" Meghann says with a laugh. Why would the Dawson's diva be calling a dorm room? Because Meghann and Katie are best buds from way back.

"We've always been like sisters," Katie says of Meghann. "Ever since kindergarten, when I spotted her in these overalls." Back then, the two girls shared a passion for Barbie. They spent many a play date in their respective Barbie worlds, one in Katie's basement, the other a bike ride away at Meghann's. When the best buds were 11, the dolls put their friendship to the rest. Katie was about to have her first boy girl party. After the two planned everything, including games like passing oranges under the chin and exchanging Life Savers via toothpicks-games they imagined might lead to a first kiss with one of their boy guests-Meghann surveyed the pre-party landscape. To her horror, she saw Barbie dolls everywhere. "Katie, the time has come," Meghann said firmly. "The Barbie dolls have got to go." "She didnt take it well," Meghann recalls nearly a decade later. "But we survived," Katie points out.

They also went on to survive the first day of High School (the made Katie's mom drive around the block several times so that they wouldn't get there too early). "We were such nerdy freshmen," Meghann remembers. And two years later, they had to face the realization that Katie was headed for stardom instead of college as they had planned. Yet the girl never questioned their friendship's endurance. And, with a little help from the cell phone, it has never flagged.

Consider Katie as she shops. She'll pull out her phone and dial Meghann, who might be on her way to class. "I'm in Nine West," She'll say, "and I'm looking at the boots...not the ones that go up to your calf, but the flat ones...." Or consider Meghann, sitting in class at Ohio State. On the sly, she'll dial Katie on the Dawson's set. "There's this really hot guy in front of me," she'll whisper. "Should I talk to him?" The giggle at this, just two girls from Toledo. Katie's fame doesn't matter to them; they're just ordinary best friends, chatting up a storm. In high school, in fact, they didn't make the cheerleading squad because they talked too much.

Meghann and Katie had tons of fun growing up together. They went on secret outing to watch movies their parents deemed inappropriate, such as Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and they videotaped make-believe newscasts in which Meghann played the weather girl and Katie the news anchorwoman, "Janet Jackson." When Katie was a junior in high school, she took a trip to New York City for the International Modeling and Talent Association Convention. She captured the attention of 30 agents, and it wasn't long before she got her first part, in The Ice Storm. Shooting took her away from home-and Meghann-for six weeks. "It was really hard," says Katie. "We had never been apart for that long." Soon after, she scored the role of Joey on Dawson's. And her life hasn't been the same since. Meghann's life has also changed. "I get so many questions about Katie from my roommates! But when they hear me talk about her, they tell me, 'Well, she must be easy to talk to. She must be just like you.' "