When Drake Bell first burst onto screens as a Nickelodeon’s latest baby star, he had all of the makings of a Hollywood main man: appeal, fast wit, and a blinding smile that rapidly earned him a legion of younger admirers.
At first, it appeared as if the actor was set to attain the not possible by skirting the curse of the doomed Hollywood baby actor and making a easy transition into bigger, extra severe roles.
However inside a couple of years of Drake & Josh’s finale in 2007, a crack started to indicate within the actor’s once-innocent picture as he desperately struggled to tread the murky waters of the movie and TV trade – each professionally and personally.Â
The primary hammer blow to his fame got here inside 10 years of his exit from Nickelodeon, when it was revealed that Drake, now 37, had filed for chapter after racking up greater than $1.5 million in debt.
Former Nickelodeon baby star Drake Bell has been blighted by scandal after scandal, dealing with quite a few run-ins with the regulation, public feuds with different stars, and social media outburst
The newest in a protracted record of horrific blows to plague Drake’s once-soaring profession was his admission that he was sexually abused by a vocal teacher named Brian Peck at age 15Â
His monetary woes marked the start of a downward spiral for the star – that noticed face quite a few run-ins with the regulation, public feuds together with his fellow stars, weird and erratic habits, and social media outburst.
Within the years following his Nick days, he was arrested twice for ingesting below the affect, accused of bodily and verbal abuse by two of his ex-girlfriends, and charged for sending ‘inappropriate’ messages to a 15-year-old lady when he was 31.
Because the Drake & Josh alum opens up concerning the horrific trauma that he endured as a toddler star, FEMAIL has recapped his wild journey from begin to end. He is seen together with his Drake & Josh costar Josh Peck in 2006
The actor was additionally put within the sizzling seat final 12 months when police issued a frantic message asking for individuals to contact them in the event that they knew something about his whereabouts after declaring him ‘lacking.’
It was stated on the time that he had threatened to harm himself in a collection of worrisome messages that he despatched to his household, however he was fortunately discovered protected quickly after.
He has been blighted by scandal after scandal over time, together with his controversies and authorized issues now fully overshadowing what as soon as seemed like a really vibrant future.Â
The newest in a protracted record of horrific blows to plague Drake’s once-soaring profession was his admission that he was sexually abused by a vocal teacher named Brian Peck at age 15.
The actor laid naked the ‘unspeakable’ and ‘brutal’ trauma that he endured by the hands of the Nickelodeon dialogue coach as a part of an explosive new ID docuseries referred to as Quiet On Set: The Darkish Facet Of Youngsters TV.
The surprising revelation solely provides to Drake’s tragic story. However the former Nickelodeon star has not given up – and despite his many controversies, he has continued to attempt to reignite his profession.Â
Because the Drake & Josh alum opens up concerning the horrific trauma that he endured as a toddler star, FEMAIL has recapped his wild journey from begin to end – from his early days as a wide-eyed child actor who was being abused behind the scenes to the downward spiral that ensued afterwards.
His fast rise to the highest: Drake began appearing at age 5 and was propelled into the highlight virtually in a single day after touchdown his function in Drake & Josh
Drake was born on June 27, 1986, in Newport Seaside, California. He began appearing when he was solely 5 years outdated. He’s seen as a child
His first job was a business for Whirlpool Home equipment, and after that, his profession started to take off. He is seen as a child
He appeared in a collection of different commercials earlier than he landed his first on-screen function in 1994 – a visitor look in an episode of Dwelling Enchancment (seen) when he was solely eight
His different early appearing credit embody a small half within the 1996 film Jerry Maguire, an episode of Seinfeld (seen), and the TV film The Jack Bull
Drake was born on June 27, 1986, in Newport Seaside, California. He began appearing when he was solely 5 years outdated, due to his dad, who observed he was nice at doing impersonations and began bringing him to auditions.
His first job was a business for Whirlpool Home equipment, and after that, his profession started to take off.
He appeared in a collection of different commercials earlier than he landed his first on-screen function in 1994 – a visitor look in an episode of Dwelling Enchancment when he was solely eight.
His different early appearing credit embody a small half within the 1996 film Jerry Maguire, an episode of Seinfeld, and the TV film The Jack Bull.
His breakthrough function got here in 1999, when she joined the solid of the favored Nickelodeon sketch comedy present The Amanda Present, which he starred in alongside Amanda Bynes, Josh Peck, and Nancy Sullivan for 3 years till it was canceled in 2002.
His breakthrough function got here in 1999 when she joined the solid of the favored Nickelodeon sketch comedy present The Amanda PresentÂ
After that, he starred in Drake & Josh alongside Josh. The collection, which was created by Dan Schneider and ran from 2004 to 2007, was wildly well-liked
And whereas it appeared as if it might have launched an enormous profession for Drake, he struggled to land appearing gigs afterwards. He’s seen together with his Drake & Josh costars
After that, he and Josh had been solid in Drake & Josh. The collection, which was created by Dan Schneider and ran from 2004 to 2007, was wildly well-liked and propelled the 2 actors into the highlight virtually in a single day.Â
He starred within the comedy flick Superhero Film (seen) in 2008, however after that, issues considerably slowed down for himÂ
The present went on to grow to be the top-rated live-action collection amongst kids aged two to 11, and was persistently among the many 10 most-watched cable exhibits every week that it aired.
And whereas it appeared as if its success would have launched an enormous profession for Drake, he struggled to land appearing gigs afterwards.
He starred within the comedy flick Superhero Film in 2008, however after that, issues considerably slowed down for him.
Through the 2010s, he acted sporadically, showing in a couple of films and exhibits just like the live-action TV film adaptation of The Pretty Odd Mother and father, the animated TV collection Final Spider-Man, the Nickelodeon flick Rags, the horror movie LA Slasher, and the 2017 motion comedy Unhealthy Youngsters of Crestview Academy.
His downward spiral: Drake struggled to land appearing jobs after the Nickelodeon present ended he ultimately filed for chapter after racking up greater than $1.5 million in debtÂ
The difficulty first started for Drake (seen in 2012) in 2012, when he was sued by music producer John Fields, who claimed that he wasn’t paid the correct amount for his work on Drake’s album
In 2014, information hit the online that Drake (seen in 2017) had filed for chapter after reportedly racking up money owed equating to greater than $1.5 million
As Drake’s working life crumbled, so did his private life. The difficulty for him first started in 2012, when he was sued by music producer John Fields, who claimed that he had labored on quite a few songs on one in all Drake’s albums, however wasn’t paid the correct amount for his work.
In line with TMZ, John alleged that Drake had commissioned 9 of his songs, however solely gave him sufficient cash for 5, which meant he owed him $36,000.
A choose in the end dominated in John’s favor, and ordered Drake to pay him the cash together with curiosity and attorneys’ charges.
Between that and his lack of labor, Drake’s struggled to make ends meet and in the end blew by means of all the cash he had made as a teen star.
In 2014, information hit the online that he had filed for chapter after reportedly racking up money owed equating to greater than $1.5 million.
On high of dropping the fortune he earned on Nick, Drake additionally appeared to push away the chums that he made throughout his Drake & Josh years. He had a public falling out with Josh in 2017
Drake was livid that Josh did not invite him to his wedding ceremony, nevertheless, the 2 did reunite on the MTV Video Music Awards a couple of months later, the place they hugged it out (seen)
In line with courtroom paperwork obtained by Folks, he confessed to spending about $18,000 per 30 days on the time – regardless of solely bringing in about $2,820. Because of the submitting, his $1.5 million mansion got here below foreclosures.
On high of dropping the fortune that he earned on Nickelodeon, Drake additionally appeared to push away the chums that he made throughout his Drake & Josh years.
In 2017, he had a really public falling out together with his former co-star Josh after the actor bought married to Paige O’Brien Peck and failed to ask Drake to the marriage.
On the time, Drake went on a fierce tirade in opposition to Josh on his Twitter account, writing, ‘True colours have come out at present. Message is loud and clear. Ties are formally minimize. I will miss you brotha.’
Nevertheless, the 2 did reunite on the MTV Video Music Awards a couple of months later, the place they hugged it out, so it appeared as if that they had put the drama behind them – however the harm was already executed.
Authorized woes: Drake was accused of bodily and verbal abuse by his ex-girlfriend, and was charged with tried baby endangerment over ‘inappropriate’ messages he despatched to a teen when he was 31Â
In December 2015, the actor was arrested for driving below the affect after somebody noticed him swerving and dashing in Glendale, California. He spent at some point in jail
In August 2020, the previous Nickelodeon star was thrown into the new seat once more when his ex-girlfriend, Melissa Lingafelt (seen in 2007), accused him of verbal and bodily abuse
She claimed in a video shared to her TikTok account that they began courting in 2006 when she was solely 16 and he was 20. They went separate methods in early 2009. They’re seen in 2008
Whereas one would have thought that was the worst of his issues, Drake’s cash points and on-line feud together with his former costar had been quickly overshadowed.Â
Over the following few years, he started to face a slew of run-ins with the regulation, additional tarnishing his fame.Â
‘It wasn’t till a couple of 12 months [into the relationship] when the verbal abuse began,’ she stated. ‘It then turned to bodily – hitting, throwing, all the pieces. On the pinnacle of it, he [threw] me down the steps of our home’
In December 2015, the actor was arrested for driving below the affect after somebody noticed him swerving and dashing in Glendale, California.
He pleaded responsible and was sentenced to 4 days in jail and 4 years probation, and was required to attend an alcohol schooling program. He in the end served solely at some point behind bars and was launched on good habits.
On the time, it was delivered to gentle that he had really been arrested as soon as earlier than that – for an additional DUI in San Diego in 2009, however there may be little or no identified concerning the incident.
In August 2020, the previous Nickelodeon star was thrown into the new seat once more when his ex-girlfriend Melissa Lingafelt accused him of verbal and bodily abuse.
She claimed in a video shared to her TikTok account that they began courting in 2006, when she was solely 16 and he was 20, and that they had been collectively for 2 years earlier than going their separate methods in early 2009.
‘It wasn’t till a couple of 12 months [into the relationship] when the verbal abuse began,’ she stated.
Drake denied her allegations, however Melissa shared an alleged police report, in addition to a number of of her journal entries detailing the abuse, which had been seemingly written throughout their relationship
She additionally posted a message she claimed she had acquired from one other one in all his exes, actress Paydin Layne (seen with Drake in 2014)
‘And after I say verbal abuse, think about the worst sort of verbal abuse you can ever think about, and that was what I bought.
‘It then turned to bodily – hitting, throwing, all the pieces. On the pinnacle of it, he [threw] me down the steps of our home. My face hit each step on the way in which down. I’ve images of this.’
In 2021, Drake was arrested in Cleveland, Ohio, and charged with ‘tried endangerment of a kid’ in addition to one depend of ‘disseminating matter dangerous to juveniles.’ His mugshot is seen
In a press release to Folks, Drake responded and stated he ‘by no means abused his ex-girlfriend or did’ any of ‘the opposite issues she falsely claimed in her TikTok video.’
‘As our relationship ended – greater than a decade in the past – we, sadly, each referred to as one another horrible names, as usually occurs when {couples} are breaking apart,’ he added.
‘Clearly, Melissa nonetheless felt shut sufficient to me simply final 12 months that she was comfy reaching out to ask me to offer her with monetary help throughout a troublesome time (which I did).
‘I have no idea if at present’s habits is a few type of misguided quest for more cash or consideration.
‘However I can’t and won’t permit these offensive and defamatory allegations to go unchallenged and I’m reviewing my authorized choices.’
Drake ultimately plead responsible to each costs and was sentenced to 2 years probation and 200 hours of group service. He’s seen in 2017
In a video shared to Instagram afterwards, Drake spoke out concerning the incident intimately, calling his messages to the teenager ‘reckless and irresponsible’
In response to his denial, Melissa shared an alleged police report, in addition to a number of of her journal entries detailing the abuse, which had been seemingly written by her throughout their relationship.
She posted images of herself with bruises and scars that she stated got here from Drake, in addition to a message she claimed she had acquired from one other one in all his exes, actress Paydin Layne.
Paydin, who dated him from 2011 to 2016, allegedly advised Melissa: ‘I’ll stand by your facet and again you up as I went by means of the identical horrific verbal, bodily and psychological abuse.’
In 2021, Drake was arrested in Cleveland, Ohio, and charged with ‘tried endangerment of a kid’ in addition to one depend of ‘disseminating matter dangerous to juveniles.’
On the time, regulation enforcement officers claimed he had despatched a 15-year-old minor ‘inappropriate social media messages’ in 2017 when he was 31 years outdated.
The sufferer claimed that he carried out oral intercourse on her whereas she was backstage at one in all his live shows in December of that 12 months, which he later denied.
‘He was calculating. He preyed on me and sexually abused me,’ his sufferer, who stored her identification hidden for privateness causes, stated throughout the trial. ‘He’s a monster and a hazard to kids.’
Drake ultimately plead responsible to each costs and was sentenced to 2 years of probation and 200 hours of group service.
On the sentencing listening to, a choose advised the Drake & Josh alum that he ‘took benefit’ of the younger lady as a result of she didn’t have ‘the emotional or psychological maturity to correctly interact’ with him.
Nevertheless, Drake (seen in 2019) stated that ‘many of the information you have heard about him was false and improper,’ and insisted that he stopped speaking together with her after he realized her age
‘Your place and movie star standing enabled you to nurture this relationship,’ the choose said.
‘You had been in a position to achieve entry to this baby and also you had been in a position to achieve the belief of the kid. So it is a two-edged sword, your place. I hope you actually are remorseful.’
In a video shared to Instagram afterwards, Drake spoke out concerning the incident intimately, calling his messages to the teenager ‘reckless and irresponsible,’ and admitting, ‘I am not good and I make errors.’
Nevertheless, he stated that ‘many of the information you have heard about him just lately was completely false and improper,’ and insisted that he stopped speaking together with her after he realized her age.
‘I need to clarify that there have been no sexual photos, nothing bodily between me and this particular person,’ he claimed.
‘I used to be not charged with something bodily, I used to be not charged with disseminating of images or photos or something like that.
‘That is strictly over textual content messages. And after I was introduced with a plea deal, due to the messages, I felt that it was the easiest way to get this over rapidly, and for everybody concerned to have the ability to transfer on, and for me to get again to doing what I really like and that is making music for you.’
His current erratic habits: Drake was seen inhaling inflated balloons and was reported ‘lacking’ by his household after they reportedly claimed he had threatened to harm himself
Drake tied the knot with a girl named Janet Von Schmeling in 2018, and collectively, they welcomed a child boy (seen) collectively in June 2021
However issues went downhill for him once more in December 2022, when he was seen inhaling inflated balloons within the entrance seat of his parked automobile outdoors of his Los Angeles dwellingÂ
Drake tied the knot with a girl named Janet Von Schmeling in 2018, and collectively, they welcomed a child boy collectively in June 2021, and it appeared like issues had been trying up for the star.
However issues went downhill for him once more in December 2022, when he was seen inhaling inflated balloons within the entrance seat of his parked automobile outdoors of his Los Angeles dwelling, whereas his son was asleep within the again seat. It isn’t clear what, if something, was contained in the balloon.
Following the incident, information hit the online that Drake and Janet had ‘separated,’ and that the actor had entered right into a therapy program.Â
Sources advised Web page Six in January 2023 that Janet ‘had sufficient’ and moved to Florida with their son, whereas he stayed in LA to obtain skilled assist.
‘That they had some unbelievable stunning instances earlier than. He must concentrate on being wholesome, and so they’ll be nice co-parents sooner or later,’ an insider dished.
‘It is a dangerous second in time for Drake. However he is a good dad when he’s wholesome and sober.’
Then, in April 2023, the Daytona Seaside Police Division requested the general public to offer any data on Drake’s whereabouts after they stated he had gone ‘lacking.’
Hours later, they confirmed that they had been ‘involved’ with him and that he was ‘protected.’
Following the incident, information hit the online that Drake and Janet had ‘separated,’ and that the actor had entered right into a therapy programÂ
In April 2023, the Police Division requested the general public to offer any data on Drake’s whereabouts after they stated he had gone ‘lacking.’ He is seen one month prior
Days later, TMZ obtained 911 name logs that alleged Drake had threatened to kill himself earlier than vanishing.
He was confirmed protected hours later, and it was stated that the incident had stemmed from ‘a falling out’ together with his spouse
Within the audio, an officer was heard stating that Drake had ‘texted hello household’ saying that he was ‘going to get drunk and hold himself.’
It was additionally stated that the incident had stemmed from ‘a falling out’ together with his spouse.
Quickly after, Janet filed for divorce from the star, stating in courtroom paperwork that that they had been separated since September 2022.
She requested major authorized and bodily custody of their son, and stated she was open to Drake receiving visitation.
After the information hit the online, Drake went on a dramatic social media rant through which he claimed he had came upon about Janet submitting for divorce by means of TMZ.
After the information hit the online, Drake went on a dramatic social media rant through which he claimed he had came upon about Janet submitting for divorce by means of TMZÂ
He addressed a few of the on-line hate he was getting , writing that it was ‘going to kill him’ and that the web trolls would have his ‘blood on their fingers’ after somebody referred to as him a ‘pedo’Â
He added that it blew his ‘thoughts how imply individuals’ may very well be, regardless of him ‘clearly coping with psychological well being points’Â
He additionally addressed a few of the on-line hate he was getting, writing that it was ‘going to kill him’ and that the web trolls would have his ‘blood on their fingers.’
‘Do a second of analysis. That is what I’ve to dwell with on a regular basis. They’re actually going to kill me. Blood [is] on their fingers,’ he replied to somebody who had referred to as him a ‘pedophile.’
He added that it blew his ‘thoughts how imply individuals’ may very well be, regardless of him ‘clearly coping with psychological well being points.’Â
He was noticed inhaling from a balloon as soon as once more later that month.Â
His makes an attempt at a comeback: Regardless of his quite a few controversies and failed appearing profession, Drake continues to be attempting to make it as a singer – altering his identify and releasing an all-Spanish album
Drake’s quite a few controversies didn’t cease him from attempting to deliver again his mega-stardom. After his appearing profession got here to a halt, he determined to concentrate on making music as a substitute
After seeing his songs do effectively on the charts in Mexico, Drake made the announcement in 2020 that he was relocating to the nation and altering his final identify to Campana
And whereas it appeared as if he by no means really made the transfer, he did drop a Spanish album referred to as Sesiones en Casa in 2020. He’s seen performing in Mexico final 12 months
In early 2023, he started teasing his seventh studio album, Non-Cease Flight, on Instagram, however has but to share an official launch dateÂ
Drake’s quite a few controversies has not stopped him from attempting to deliver again his mega-stardom.Â
After his appearing profession got here to a halt, he determined to concentrate on making music as a substitute.Â
As well as, the actor participated in The Masked Singer Mexico in November
He launched six studio albums over time, and after seeing his songs do effectively on the charts in Mexico, Drake made the surprising announcement in 2020 that he was relocating to the nation, altering his final identify to Campana, and releasing an all-Spanish album.
And whereas it appeared as if he by no means really made the transfer, he did drop a Spanish album referred to as Sesiones en Casa in 2020.
In early 2023, he started teasing his seventh studio album, Non-Cease Flight, on Instagram, however has but to share an official launch date.
He additionally revealed final 12 months that he had started engaged on an autobiography in order that his followers may ‘lastly know his true story.’Â
As well as, the actor participated in The Masked Singer Mexico in November.Â
His surprising admission: Drake just lately revealed that he was sexually abused by a Nickelodeon coach when he was 15 – which he described as ‘unspeakable and brutal’
In an upcoming four-part ID docuseries, entitled Quiet On Set: The Darkish Facet Of Youngsters TV, Drake claimed he was sexually abused by Nickelodeon coach Brian when he was 15 years outdatedÂ
Drake claimed the sexual abuse started throughout a casting journey that he was on with Brian at age 15, and solely bought ‘worse and worse and worse’ after that. Brian is seen in 2012Â
In an upcoming four-part ID docuseries, entitled Quiet On Set: The Darkish Facet Of Youngsters TV, Drake claimed he was sexually abused by Nickelodeon coach Brian when he was 15 years outdated.
He defined that his father had employed Brian, now 63, who was the vocal coach on The Amanda Present and beforehand labored with Leonardo DiCaprio, to work together with his younger son after his profession started to take off.
Drake claimed the sexual abuse started throughout a casting journey that he was on with Brian at age 15, and solely bought ‘worse and worse and worse’ after that.
He described it as ‘unspeakable’ and ‘brutal’ and recalled feeling ‘trapped’ – admitting that he now ‘usually seems again at the moment and wonders how on the earth he survived.’Â
‘Brian and I turned actually shut as a result of we had a number of the identical pursuits, which trying again I believe was most likely a bit calculated,’ he shared within the upcoming doc, which can premiere in full on March 17.Â
Drake’s father, Joe, advised viewers that he felt like one thing was amiss fairly early on, however that Brian dove a wedge between him and his son.Â
‘I used to be at all times inside eye distance of them… I used to be very attentive,’ he advised the digital camera.Â
‘Sadly, I began seeing Brian begin to simply hold round Drake an excessive amount of and it did not sit effectively with me.’Â
Joe stated that Brian would stroll into Drake’s dressing room and ‘put his arm round his waist, put his hand up on his shoulder, or type of run it down his arm.’Â
‘This might occur routinely,’ he added.Â
However Drake was unaware of what was taking place. He defined, ‘Every part was superb. I did not assume something of something that was taking place.
He described it as ‘unspeakable’ and ‘brutal’ and recalled feeling ‘trapped’ – admitting that he now ‘seems again at the moment and wonders how on the earth he survived.’ Brian is seen in 2014Â
He added that on the time, he brushed the ‘unspeakable acts’ below the carpet however ultimately ‘exploded’ and advised his mother all the pieces. He is seen together with his mother, Robin Dodson, in 2014
‘In hindsight, I ought to have been in a position to see however as a child you haven’t any clue. However my dad noticed it a mile away.’
Whereas at first Drake simply thought Brian was ‘his pal,’ he stated ‘all the pieces modified’ at some point throughout a casting journey.
Drake, who was 15 years outdated on the time, defined that he was sleeping on a sofa when he abruptly awoke to Brian ‘sexually assaulting him.’
‘I froze and was in full shock and had no concept what to do or easy methods to react,’ he recalled within the doc.
‘I had no concept easy methods to get out of this example. What am I going to do, name my mother and be like, “Hey, this simply occurred are you able to come choose me up? I will simply sit right here and wait…” It simply turned this secret that I had held onto.’
He stated that Brian was overly apologetic however the abuse didn’t cease there. As a substitute, Drake stated it ‘simply bought worse, and worse, and worse, and worse.’
‘I used to be simply trapped and I had no manner out,’ shared the previous Drake & Josh star. ‘The abuse was intensive and it bought fairly brutal.
‘I actually do not know easy methods to elaborate about that on digital camera. Consider the worst stuff that somebody can do to anyone as a sexual assault and that can reply your query. I do not understand how else to place it.’
Drake stated that on the time, he brushed the ‘unspeakable acts’ below the carpet however ultimately ‘exploded’ and advised his mother all the pieces.
‘I do not know what provoked it. I do not know what occurred however I simply screamed into the telephone all the pieces that had been taking place to me,’ he continued.
Brian was described within the new documentary as ‘very a lot one of many cogs within the Dan Schneider machine.’
In August of 2003, the vocal coach was arrested and charged with practically a dozen counts associated allegations that he had sexually abused a then-unnamed minor.
He ultimately pleaded no contest to performing a lewd act with a 14- or 15-year-old and to oral copulation with a minor below 16.
He acquired a 16-month jail sentence after his conviction, and in October 2004, he was ordered to register as a intercourse offender.