Freaks and Geeks Cast: Where Are They Now?
Olivia Owen general
What's the "Freaks and Geeks" cast up to now? For this list, we'll be looking at what the show's main cast has been up to in the more than 20 years since the show first aired. Our countdown includes Busy Philipps, Seth Rogen, James Franco, and more!
Freaks and Geeks Cast: Where Are They Now?
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Freaks and Geeks Cast: Where Are They Now?
For this list, we’ll be looking at what the show’s main cast has been up to in the more than 20 years since the show first aired. We won’t be discussing actors who made appearances as recurring characters or guest stars.
Did you recognize these performers in any of their other roles? Let us know in the comments below.
#10: Joe Flaherty
Harold Weir
By the time he was cast as a parent in the high school series, Flaherty had already made a mark in the entertainment industry as a comedian. The Second City alum was a regular on the stage and screen. Following the end of “Freaks and Geeks”, the performer continued working in film and television, appearing on comedies like “That '70s Show.” He branched out into voice acting, and can be heard in cartoons like “Clone High.” In addition to acting, Flaherty taught comedy courses at a college for a period of time, and is currently on the advisory board for the Harold Ramis Film School.
#9: Busy Philipps
Kim Kelly
This actress’s career took off after the Apatow-produced series ended. While her work includes film and television, her roles for TV are especially notable. She appeared on another teen show, “Dawson's Creek,” and was a main cast member on the sitcom “Love, Inc.” Philipps’s was awarded Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series by Entertainment Weekly and at the Critics' Choice Television Awards' for her performance as Laurie Keller on “Cougar Town.” A woman of many talents, she’s currently playing Summer Dutkowsky in the musical comedy show “Girls5eva.”
#8: Martin Starr
Bill Haverchuck
After “Freaks and Geeks” was canceled in 2000, Starr struggled finding work in the industry that suited him. He was close to giving up on acting at one point, but things turned around when he was offered a role in “Knocked Up.” He went on to appear in the popular indie film “Adventureland” and as a network engineer on the TV show “Silicon Valley.” Let’s not forget the fact that Starr plays a part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Having first been cast in the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk” as a college student, the character grows up to become Mr. Harrington, a teacher at Midtown School of Science and Technology. It’s a good thing the actor decided not to quit.
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#7: Becky Ann Baker
Jean Weir
Lindsay and Sam’s mom is played by a performer who is well seasoned. With experience in live theater, television, and movies, she is a master of her craft. Since the end of “Freaks and Geeks,” her most notable role has been on the HBO series “Girls.” In it, she plays the mother of Lena Dunham’s character. Baker was nominated twice for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series. She was also nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2017 Emmys. As of 2022, she’s still acting in both film and television.
#6: John Francis Daley
Sam Weir
After his role as a freshman geek came to an end, Daley continued to appear in television and film throughout his teenage years. Later on, he became recognizable as Dr. Lance Sweets on the crime drama “Bones.” In addition to acting, Daley often works in collaboration with Jonathan Goldstein to co-write and produce. Their writing credits include “Horrible Bosses” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Daley and Goldstein have also co-written and directed the upcoming film, “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” We love thinking about Sam Weir growing up to create a D&D movie.
#5: Samm Levine
Neal Schweiber
This actor has had a steady stream of employment since the end of “Freaks and Geeks.” He can be seen in film and television, usually cast in smaller roles. Damon Lindelof, who co-created “Lost,” promised to write Levine a part on the popular series and finally did during its final season. The performer is also a regular on podcasts. He can often be heard on “Doug Loves Movies,” even occasionally hosting certain segments. Levine has also appeared on and guest hosted “Kevin Pollak's Chat Show.” He regularly competes in Collider's “Movie Trivia Schmoedown,” winning the singles championship in 2017 and the team championship in 2018.
#4: James Franco
Daniel Desario
Franco’s big break came as his role on the acclaimed television series produced by Apatow. Following the end of the show, he switched his focus and began working mostly in film, first as an actor, then as a director and producer. Some of his most memorable performances are from Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy, “127 Hours,” and “The Interview.” He starred in, co-produced, and directed the 2017 feature “The Disaster Artist.” Aside from his legacy in cinema, Franco has been accused of inappropriate behavior towards women, first before and then again during the MeToo movement in 2018.
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#3: Jason Segel
Nick Andopolis
When it comes to television, Segel is remembered either as the high school freak, Nick, or as the wife-guy lawyer, Marshall Eriksen, from “How I Met Your Mother.” Despite his name being synonymous with these two roles, the performer is no stranger to the big screen. Earlier in his career, he acted in comedies like “Knocked Up” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” as well as children’s movies like “Despicable Me” and “The Muppets.” More recently, he’s been appearing in biopics “Our Friend” and “The End of the Tour.” His performance in the latter received critical acclaim.
#2: Seth Rogen
Ken Miller
Following the end of “Freaks and Geeks,” Apatow took Rogan under his wing. The young performer worked in television as an actor and writer before broadening his scope to include film. More than just a performer, he co-wrote films like “Superbad” and directed films like “The Interview.” He has also voiced a number of animated characters. While the Canadian started his career playing Ken Miller, an intense teenage boy who’s always ready to fight, he himself has a more laid back reputation. In addition to his work in the industry, Rogan is known for his affinity for a certain plant. A connoisseur of sorts, he founded his own company named Houseplant which produces admittedly beautiful products with recreational purposes.
#1: Linda Cardellini
Lindsay Weir
We may never know what happens to Lindsay Weir, but the actress that portrayed her isn’t doing half bad, career wise. Not too long after “Freaks and Geeks” stopped airing new episodes, Cardellini gave a brief but unforgettable performance in “Legally Blonde.” She then perfectly embodied Velma in the live-action adaptations of the “Scooby-Doo” cartoon. Her other film credits include “Brokeback Mountain,” “Daddy's Home,” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Despite her many appearances on the big screen, the actress hasn’t abandoned TV. She’s appeared on hospital shows and sitcoms, not to mention her voice acting roles. Her recent filmography had her starring in and producing the dark comedy “Dead to Me.”
