<Tr> <Th> Residence </Th> <Td> New York City, New York Formerly: Boston, Massachusetts </Td> </Tr> <P> Josephine Lillian "Joey" Potter (born September, 1983) is a fictional character and de facto lead role from the WB television drama Dawson's Creek, portrayed by Katie Holmes . Joey appeared in all episodes of the series, which ran from 1998--2003 . </P> <P> Joey has been friends with Dawson Leery since they were very young . She lives with her older sister, Bessie, Bessie's son Alexander and (sometimes) boyfriend, Bodie . Her father Mike, is in and out of prison for drug trafficking . Her mother, Lillian, died of breast cancer when Joey was thirteen . Joey is also the only character to appear in every episode of the series . </P> <P> In season one, Joey is the "girl next door ." She is confused by her growth into a teenager and her developing feelings for her longtime best friend Dawson, who she also admitted is her soulmate . She immediately becomes jealous when Jen Lindley arrives and steals Dawson away from her . She is intimidated by Jen, who grew up in New York and does not know how to compete . She lives with her pregnant sister Bessie, and she works for her at the Ice House, the Potter family restaurant . She is frustrated with having to deal with work and taking care of her sister along with significant helpings of teenage angst . Nonetheless, Joey manages to be helpful with the birth of Bessie's son, Alexander, as does their critical neighbor, Evelyn Ryan . One day she is convinced to compete in the beauty pageant, which she does so that she can win the cash prize . But instead of winning the contest, she wins Dawson's heart, as he finally sees past his best friend image, and realizes that he has strong romantic feelings towards her . At the end of the season, she finds herself with the opportunity of going to Paris for a year, but rejects it in favor of staying in Capeside with Dawson after she and Dawson kiss . </P>

Why is joey potter's dad in prison