“Freaks and Geeks” Cast: Where Are They Now?

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the stars of Freaks and Geeks, the beloved cult-classic TV show that aired in 1999, you’re not alone. Afflicted by poor ratings, stiff competition, creative differences, and unfavorable time slots, the show was canceled after just one season.

Freaks and Geeks, which ran for just one season, may have been short-lived, but it made a huge impact. The characters—Lindsay, Sam, Daniel, Kim, and the rest—became unforgettable, each with their own quirky charm.

Moreover, Freaks and Geeks earned three Emmy nominations, with creator Paul Feig recognized twice for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for Pilot and Discos and Dragons. The series also took home the award for Outstanding Casting in a Comedy Series.

So, what did the cast of Freaks and Geeks do after the show ended? Here’s the good news: they didn’t just disappear. Even though the show was canceled too soon, it launched the careers of many actors who went on to become major stars in Hollywood.

From superhero movies to iconic TV shows and even behind-the-scenes roles, here’s where the talented cast of Freaks and Geeks ended up—and how their lives have changed since that unforgettable series.

Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir

Linda Cardellini played Lindsay Weir, the smart, high-achieving girl who just couldn’t help but hang out with the “freaks” in high school. It was her role as Lindsay that made her a household name.

After Freaks and Geeks, she went on to star in a bunch of films like Legally Blonde, and Brokeback Mountain. She also became Velma in Scooby-Doo (2002) and its sequel.

But wait—there’s more! Cardellini didn’t stop there. She joined the MCU as Laura Barton in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and kept coming back for more with Avengers: Endgame and the Hawkeye series on Disney+.

Her acting journey didn’t stop with movies, though. She also built a solid TV career with roles in ER, Dead to Me (which earned her an Emmy nomination), and New Girl. Cardellini is a mom to a daughter, Lilah-Rose, with Steven Rodriguez and continues to shine in both film and television.

John Francis Daley as Sam Weir

John Francis Daley was just 14 years old when he played Sam Weir, the awkward, lovable geek who was totally relatable for all of us who went through that awkward teen phase. While Daley continued acting after Freaks and Geeks, he really found his niche behind the scenes.

He starred in Bones as Lance Sweets from 2007 to 2014. But his real genius came out when he started writing and directing. Daley co-wrote Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), and even directed Game Night (2018).

Martin Starr as Bill Haverchuk

If you watched Freaks and Geeks, you know Martin Starr’s character, Bill Haverchuk, was the ultimate awkward geek, always stuck in some weird situation (like hiding behind his glasses).

But Starr didn’t stay stuck in that nerdy role for long. He went on to star in comedy films like Superbad and Pineapple Express—both of which featured former castmate Seth Rogen. Not just in movies, though, the actor also had a steady TV career with appearances in Silicon Valley, Life in Pieces, and Hawaii Five-0.

You might also recognize him from Spider-Man: Homecoming where he played Mr. Harrington (the teacher with questionable life advice). He is married to Alex Gehring, the bassist of the band Ringo Deathstarr.

Jason Segel as Nick Andopolis

Jason Segel brought the lovable, music-obsessed Nick Andopolis to life, and we all loved him for it. But after Freaks and Geeks, Segel hit it big with his role as Marshall Eriksen in How I Met Your Mother.

He was part of that show for nine seasons, and trust us, Marshall’s antics were the highlight. Segel’s movie career also took off with hits like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Bad Teacher, and Sex Tape.

He’s not just an actor though—Segel’s also been behind the scenes, co-creating and writing Shrinking (which earned him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations) and starring alongside Harrison Ford in Winning Time. He’s still making waves in Hollywood!

James Franco as Daniel Desario

James Franco’s portrayal of Daniel Desario, the charming bad boy who was always one step away from trouble, was one of the most memorable parts of Freaks and Geeks. After the show ended, Franco’s career skyrocketed.

He starred in films like Spider-Man (2002), Pineapple Express, Milk (2008), and 127 Hours (2010), which earned him an Oscar nomination. However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Franco. In 2018, he faced accusations of s*xual misconduct, which he later admitted to, saying he struggled with s*x addiction.

Despite that, he continues to have a significant career in both film and television, including his role in The Deuce. Franco is still a major figure in Hollywood, albeit one with some baggage.

Busy Phillips as Kim Kelly

Busy Phillips brought Kim Kelly to life—Lindsay’s bad-girl friend who was never afraid to speak her mind (or punch someone in the face). After Freaks and Geeks, Phillips moved on to Dawson’s Creek and had roles in films like White Chicks and He’s Just Not That Into You.

She also made a splash on TV with Cougar Town and Girls5eva. But Phillips isn’t just an actress, she’s also a talk-show host! She made history as one of the few women to host a late-night talk show with Busy Tonight.

Philipps has since returned to talk shows with Busy This Week on QVC+. She shares two children, Birdie and Cricket, with her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein.

Seth Rogen as Ken Miller

Seth Rogen’s role as Ken Miller, the sarcastic, laid-back guy with a heart of gold, was just the beginning of his career. After Freaks and Geeks, Rogen became a comedy legend. He starred in Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, and Superbad (writing and producing some of them), and he made a name for himself as one of Hollywood’s funniest actors.

Rogen has also worked as a producer on hit shows like The Boys and Pam & Tommy. He even voiced Pumbaa in The Lion King remake. Oh, and did we mention he has a cannabis brand called Houseplant? The 42-year-old is married to actress Lauren Miller.

Natasha Melnick as Cindy Sanders

Last but not least, Natasha Melnick played Cindy Sanders, Sam’s high school crush who had no clue he was totally obsessed with her. After Freaks and Geeks, Melnick appeared in a few other shows, like Undeclared and Do Over, but didn’t quite reach the level of fame her co-stars did.

The 40-year-old did voice work for animated shows like King of the Hill and Family Guy, so she’s kept busy. She may not be as front-and-center as some of her co-stars, but Melnick’s still doing her thing behind the scenes.

Freaks and Geeks is available to see on Hulu!