Timeline: Busy Philipps Is an Overnight Success 20 Years in the Making

The actress's ascent has been slow but steady

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From playing Kim Kelly, everyone’s favorite Freak, to a stint as an ER intern, an award-winning turn in Cougar Town and a tasty soup endorsement, Busy Philipps has paid her dues and then some.

Here’s a timeline of her slow but steady ascent:

Also, be sure to check out Adweek’s cover story, How Busy Philipps Spun Her Intimate, Wildly Popular Instagram Stories Into E!’s Newest Talk Show

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Freaks and Geeks, Kim Kelly, 1999-2000

As a tough-but-tender freak in Judd Apatow’s adolescent angst fest, Busy Philipps represented outsiders everywhere. 

Dawson’s Creek, Audrey Liddell, 2001-2003

The CW’s teen soap introduced her to future BFF Michelle Williams.

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This story first appeared in the November 12, 2018, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.