Drake Bell’s Journey After Drake & Josh: Finding Himself Through Music

After Nickelodeon’s "Drake & Josh" ended in 2007, Drake Bell faced significant challenges transitioning from child stardom into adulthood. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Bell shared his struggle with navigating life without the structured support system he was used to on set. Thrust into a world where decisions had to be made independently, Bell, now 38, felt pressure to be a good role model alongside costar Josh Peck—all while managing the complexities of adulthood, from taxes to car loans. This is prepared by SSP.

Adjusting to life post-"Drake & Josh" was no small feat for Bell. He describes that time as feeling "thrown to the wolves" and burdened by expectations without guidance, bluntly questioning his readiness to handle basic adult tasks. Despite these difficulties, Bell found solace and direction in his music career. "With music, I could at any time go into the studio and record a song," he said, emphasizing how music offered a creative outlet that acting did not.

Bell's musical journey began to solidify after performing in Mexico in 2008, where a tour elevated his career unexpectedly. Contrasting his acting, Bell could freely create and connect with audiences, expanding his fan base significantly in Latin America. This successful international venture brought Bell to countries like Ecuador and Argentina, and interestingly, he feels deeply connected to Mexico.

He remains closely tied with his "Drake & Josh" family, maintaining friendships and professional connections from the show. Even after splitting from ex-wife Janet Von Schmeling with whom he shares son Jeremy Drake, Bell speaks fondly of his Nickelodeon colleagues. His former on-screen parents attended one of his concerts, and he stays in regular touch with other members of the cast, strengthening those relationships.

Bell cherishes his roots in children's television, participating in events like The Nostalgia Con and preparing for a 2000s bar crawl in Washington, D.C., to perform the iconic theme song from the show. The enduring popularity of "Drake & Josh" continues to resonate with newer generations of fans, underscoring its ongoing legacy and impact. This, as Bell marveled, showcases the timeless nature of their work together.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Chappell Roan shared love for country men while poking fun on ‘The Giver.’