JOHN WESLEY SHIPP–HOW I LEFT THE CREEK
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — John Wesley Shipp
johnwesleyshipp — 18 years ago(June 19, 2007 07:31 PM)
Excuse me butthe endless speculation about my reasons for leaving Dawson's Creek in its fifth season is flattering but highly innacurate. Even 6 years after I left the Creek, the "explanations" are fantastic. I will tell you exactly what happened; after that, you're on your own to create and fantasize to your heart's content.
First of all, let me say that I am proud to have been apart of this pop-cultural phenomenon, working with a gifted cast saying the words of gifted writers under skilled direction and the watchful eyes of enthusiastic producers. We had the feeling we were creating something special far from "Hollywoodland" on the charming Southeastern-USA coastal waterways of Wilmington, NC. At the outset, playing a parent on this show was a joy, crafted as it was for the parents to enjoy independent (though subsidiary) and intersecting storylines with the kids: witness the HURRICANE episode. In seasons 3 and 4, however, the parent's storylines were progressively de-emphazised. By season 5, the kids were going off to college and leaving the Creek which would have left the parents exactly where? (clue: not "ahead")
At the end of season 4, all of the adults' contracts were permitted to lapse, to allow for restructuring deals in order to reflect the importance of storylines once the kids left for college; we all sensed the sea-change ahead. As it turned out, the producers only wanted 6 episodes from "Mom and Dad." Not wishing to stick around to see my contribution to the show shrink to more disappointing levels, I set my price high during negotiations. The 5th season began shooting and no deal. The WB SHUT DOWN PRODUCTION the first week of the 5th season due to lack of a storyline and no major motivating event. Paul Stupin contacted me in LA for coffee and askedif they gave me the $$$ I was asking and 2 great scriptswould I come back to kill the character. In lieu of limping along to a disappointing end, I agreed.
Et voila: DAWSON'S CREEK HAD ITS MAJOR MOTIVATING INCIDENT FOR SEASON FIVE; ONE OF THE PARENTS COULD ASSUME ALL OF THE DIMINISHING PARENTAL DUTIES INSTEAD OF SPLITTING THEM; DAWSON GOT AN AWESOME STORYLINE TO EXPLORE WITH THE DEATH OF HIS DAD; AND MITCH GOT TO "JUMP THE SHARK" IN A WAY THAT HONORED THE CHARACTER AND MADE ME FEEL THAT THE PREVIOUS 4 YEARS HAD BEEN ABOUT SOMETHING.
And so, people, those are all of the facts that I knowrumors of "affairs" and "crushes" notwithstanding. If there was anything else, I to this day am unaware of it. It may not be so dramatic, but it happens to be the truth. -
bahamagal — 18 years ago(June 22, 2007 07:10 PM)
OMG, I love Dawsons Creek!!!!!!!!!!:)
This show and the brillance of Kevin Williamson and ALL the actors is part of the reason I am an aspiring Actress/Producer. That episode was one of the most touching and remarkable one's on the show. -
jerseybunny — 18 years ago(September 13, 2007 11:57 PM)
what a shame. it was a big loss for all for you to be killed off..life goes on.
can't wait to see you in your next project. you are a fantastic guy to say the least.
your number one fan and friend, bethand tony tookeep on rocking. -
paulvanderroest — 18 years ago(June 26, 2007 05:10 PM)
John,
Thank you for your post. I, for one, watched the show because of you and though it was sad to see Mitch die, it made for great television and your performance was wonderful. The best of luck to you and I hope to see you on the screen (small or big) soon. It would be great to see you live onstage as well. 16d0Any plans for an LA stage appearance sometime?
All the best to you personally and professionally. -
cdsdoglover — 18 years ago(August 11, 2007 03:54 PM)
Your character, Mitch Leery was indeed honored-mission accomplished in an awesome way!! The positive spirit of the character certainly remained throughout the remaining series and will never be forgotten! Even though it was sad that Mitch was killed, I don't think I have ever seen a more powerful and touching episode that deals with the subject of grief as the episode 'The Long Goodbye"!! I absolutely loved the flashbacks-memories of Mitch. The w5b4riting and all of the cast were incredible and yes, Dawson's story line was awesome-unforgettable!!! James did a fantastic job-terrific actor!! You were fantastic in your final 2 episodes, and certainly in all 4 seasons as well!!!
The music in "Dawson's Creek" is beautiful and truly adds to the moods of the scenes. "Dawson's Creek" is indeed one of the most amazing TV shows I believe I have ever seen!!!
My very best to you and your future endeavors. -
blueflicker — 18 years ago(September 07, 2007 12:35 PM)
Hey "Mr. Phipps!" - I was wondering what you were working on these days and decided to check your profile on this site. I watched a bit of Dawson's Creek years ago, and was happy to see that you were a part of the cast. I had no idea that they had killed your character off until I met up with someone who was a big fan, and they had mentioned it. I will have to watch for a re-run as I bet it was an amazing episode (or two).
You were one of the most sincere actors I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
PA du jour - Soft Deceit - Stacey
(been to any baseball games lately? lol) -
tenor1 — 18 years ago(September 30, 2007 06:46 PM)
Wow! What a treat to hear it straight from the man himself! Thanks so much for clearing up this issue.
I've been a big fan of yours ever since GL. Your big confrontation with Lisa Brown (a great actress, whom we should still be seeing!) was one of the greatest moments in GL's history.
I saw you on Broadway in Dancing at Lughnasa. One of the best plays I've ever seen.
Also, loved your guest shot on The Closer this summer. -
scarroll-16 — 18 years ago(January 08, 2008 01:02 PM)
John,
It was nice to meet you at the Gold's Gym in Suwanee during the 2007 Holidays. I kept telling my wife, who was on the treadmill beside me, that it was you and she wouldn't believe me. Anyway, hope you had a great visit here in our small Atlanta suburb. Good luck!!
Stephen -
roberto-130 — 17 years ago(April 13, 2008 11:09 AM)
John Shipp,
You definetey shed a light on this controversial subject. Dawson's Creek was a must to watch between 1998-2003 here in Brazil. We still can watch the show on Sony Channel. What an innovative and great show, by the way!
Be sure we, brazilians, are always longing for your next, and next, and next work.
Lots of happiness and success in all areas of your life, Wagner -
parkeryl — 17 years ago(June 15, 2008 08:16 PM)
I can't believe that's him. But this is an interesting read. He seems funny, like it though-Aquarians rock! But I understand at the end when he says that he decided to get the money and two good scripts that way end on a high note. I always cry when I see those episodes. I think the parents were the best part of the show, but we know how the WB had built itself around teens.
PS. John you should get yourself a website, that way fans can keep up with your work more.