At only 21 years old singer, songwriter, musician, actor and director, Drake Bell has a list of accomplishments that would make just about anyone proud. From his supporting role as Jesse Remo in the Tom Cruise hit film “Jerry McGuire” at the tender age of 10, to his newly released album, “It’s Only Time” Drakes acting and musical careers are definitely on the upswing.
Drake Jared Bell was born on June 27th, 1986, to parents Joe Bell and Robin Dodson. He grew up in Orange County, California, with a step-father, Roy, step sister, and younger sister (Savannah). Drake also has two older brothers, Robert and Travis.
Amazingly enough Drake began acting at the age of 5, and learned to play guitar at only 9 years old. His natural love of music and the arts helped to give him the opportunity to attend the Orange County High School of the Arts, during his Junior year of High School.
Between 1998 and 2000 Drake received critical acclaims and was celebrated for his roles in such television shows a “Seinfield” and the made for TV movie “The Jack Bull.” Drake’s big break, however, didn’t happen until 2004, when he landed his current role in the Nickelodeon series “Drake and Josh.” Since then it seems, that Drake has been walking the road to success.
In 2005 Drake landed a part in the box office hit “Yours, Mine and Ours.” He continued his television acting and music careers, and in both 2006 and 2007 he received the Nickelodeon Kids Choice for favorite male TV actor, for his role in the Nickelodeon series “Drake and Josh”. Drake also directed Part One of the made for TV movie “Drake and Josh- Really Big Shrimp.”
As if that weren’t enough, he released his first album “Telegraph” in 2005, at only 19 years of age. In addition he now handles all of the music for Nickelodeon favorites like “Drake and Josh” “Zoey 101”, and “iCarly”. His hit single “I know” was a big success, and his second album, “It’s Only Time” was released on December 5th, 2006.
So what’s next for this charismatic young artist? He has a role in the upcoming film “College” which is currently being shot on location New Orleans. Plus look for Drake in the up-coming mini-series “Flying Tigers.” As for his music career, he recently signed with Universal Records, so fans can certainly expect great things sometime in the near future.