When Varsity Blues hit theaters in January 1999, it became an instant cult favorite, blending small-town Texas football drama with rebellious teen angst.
The film, which starred James Van Der Beek as quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon and featured breakout roles for Paul Walker and Amy Smart, earned mixed reviews from critics but captured a loyal fanbase.
Now, over 25 years since its release, Varsity Blues remains a nostalgic touchstone for a generation that grew up on ’90s teen dramas.
As time has passed, the cast has gone on to pursue a wide range of careers – both in and out of the spotlight.
James Van Der Beek as Jonathan “Mox” Moxon
Van Der Beek played Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, the brainy backup quarterback who resists the toxic football culture.
The actor is also known for his roles on shows like Dawson’s Creek, Don’t Trust the B—- in Apt 23, and Pose, as well as films like The Rules of Attraction and Bad Hair. He’s also done voice work, producing and writing.
Van Der Beek married Kimberly Brook back in 2010. The pair share six children and moved from Beverly Hills to Texas in 2020.
In late 2024, the father and husband revealed to PEOPLE that he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 47.
Fast forward to July 2025, Van Der Beek told Today that he was “feeling great” despite the diagnosis.
“It’s been a journey. There are just so many ups and downs and so many unknowns. Cancer is – I call it a full-time job … It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life,” he shared.
Unfortunately, in September 2025, the actor had to pull out from a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event at the last minute due to health issues. While he was “gutted” to miss the event, he still made a surprise virtual appearance.
Still, he plans to step back into the spotlight for the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle.
Jon Voight as Coach Bud Kilmer
Voight portrayed Coach Bud Kilmer, the ruthless football coach obsessed with winning.
The 86-year-old is known for his roles in National Treasure, Ray Donovan, Runaway Train, Pearl Harbor, Fantastic Beasts and many more.
The actor was first married to Lauri Peters from 1962 to 1967 and then to Marcheline Bertrand from 1971 to 1980. He and Bertrand share two children: actor James Haven and award-winning actress Angelina Jolie.
Ron Lester as Billy Bob
Lester brought heart to the film as Billy Bob, the lovable offensive lineman. After Varsity Blues, he appeared in Not Another Teen Movie and Good Burger, but struggled with health issues.
At one point, he underwent extreme weight-loss surgery, losing over 300 pounds. Unfortunately, he died in 2016 at age 45 from liver and kidney failure.
Scott Caan as Charlie Tweeder
Caan played Charlie Tweeder, the wild, rule-breaking wide receiver.
The 49-year-old has built a steady acting career with major roles in Hawaii Five-0 and the Ocean’s Eleven series. He’s also a photographer and director, with films like The Dog Problem.
The actor, who is the son of James Caan, shares one child, a daughter named Josie, with his long-time partner, Kacy Byxbee.
Richard Lineback as Joe Harbor
Lineback played Joe Harbor, Lance’s overbearing father. A veteran character actor, he’s appeared in films like Natural Born Killers, Ready to Rumble, Speed and more.
The 73-year-old’s personal life remains largely private, but he continues to take supporting roles in TV and film. He’s known for bringing grounded intensity to smaller, often overlooked parts.
Eliel Swinton as Wendell Brown
Swinton portrayed Wendell Brown, the team’s talented running back. He retired from acting and now works as a coach and trainer at Sierra Canyon, a pivate school in California.
His football career was cut short by injury, but he now mentors youth athletes. His focus today is on fitness and community development.
Thomas F. Duffy as Sam Moxon
Duffy played Sam Moxon, Mox’s tough, football-obsessed father. He’s had a long career in supporting roles in films, such as The River Wild and Apollo 13.
The 69-year-old remains active in Hollywood, though not much is publicly known about his personal life.
Amy Smart as Jules Harbor
Smart played Jules Harbor, Lance’s sister and Mox’s love interest.
The 49-year-old has been featured in films like The Butterfly Effect, Just Friends, Crank and Road Trip, as well as TV shows like Scrubs, Shameless, MacGyver and Stargirl.
The actress has been married to HGTV star Carter Oosterhouse since 2011. The pair share one daughter.
Ali Larter as Darcy Sears
Larter starred as Darcy Sears, the seductive head cheerleader.
After Varsity Blues, she became a horror film favorite in Final Destination and Resident Evil films. She has also starred in TV series like Heroes and Landman.
She has been married to actor Hayes MacArthur since 2009. The couple shares two children. They left Los Angeles to live in Idaho after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jesse Plemons as Tommy Harbor
Plemons had a minor role as Tommy Harbor in Varsity Blues, but went on to become a critically acclaimed actor.
The 37-year-old has starred in Breaking Bad, Fargo, Friday Night Lights and more. In 2022, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in The Power of the Dog.
He got married to Kirsten Dunst in 2022. The pair shares two children.
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