American actor and singer/songwriter Drake Bell was born on June 27, 1986 in Orange County, California. He started acting when he was eight years old, appearing in an episode of the sitcom Home Improvement. He also appeared on the 1996 romantic comedy Jerry Maguire, and in a 1998 episode of Seinfeld. In 2000, he was nominated for a Young Artist Award for his performance in the television movie The Jack Bull.
Bell gained further popularity, however, in 1999, when he was cast in the Nickelodeon variety show The Amanda Show. Led by Amanda Bynes, the program was a spin-off off the successful comedy show All That. Bell was cast as one of the supporting performers, along with Nancy Sullivan and future performing partner Josh Peck. The success of the show led to Bell and Peck being given their own program, the comedy Drake & Josh, which premiered in 2004.
The program circulates around two teenagers who become stepbrothers when their parents (Nancy Sullivan and Jonathan Goldstein) marry. Drake’s character is that of an easygoing, self-absorbed and popular teenager, who tries everything he can do to get away with his mistakes, often at the expense of his stepbrother Josh. Despite being selfish and lazy, he always manages to get the girls. The show further escalated Bell’s career (as well as Peck’s and breakout star Miranda Cosgrove). The program lasted three seasons, and led to three television movies.
Bell made his film starring debut in 2005, when he starred in the remake of Yours, Mine and Ours, starring Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo. He also recently appeared in the 2008 parody Superhero Movie.
Bell is also known for his musical pursuits. After being taught by The Who lead singer Roger Daltrey on the set of the film Chasing Destiny, he started performing for his own shows. He performed the theme song to Drake & Josh, entitled “Found A Way;” he released his first album, Telegraph, in 2005. He has also recorded songs for shows his films Superhero Movie and Yours, Mine and Ours, as well as in Cosgrove’s solo show, iCarly.
Blimp Award (Kids' Choice Awards)
2006 Favorite TV Actor, Drake & Josh
2007 Favorite TV Actor, Drake & Josh
2008 Favorite TV Actor, Drake & Josh
Blimp Award (UK Kids' Choice Awards)
2007 Best Male Singer
2007 Best TV Show, Drake & Josh
Blimp Award (KCA Brazil)
2008 Artist International Favorite
Surfboard Award (Teen Choice Awards)
2008 Choice Movie Breakout Actor, Superhero Movie
2010: Sleepaway Camp Reunion
2008: Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh - Drake Parker
2008: The Nutty Professor - Harold/Jack
2008: Unstable Fables: Tortoise vs. Hare - Butch Hare (voice)
2008: College - Kevin Brewer
2008: Superhero Movie - Rick Riker/Dragonfly
2004-2007: "Drake & Josh" - Drake Parker (58 episodes)
2006: Drake and Josh Go Hollywood - Drake Parker
2005: Yours, Mine and Ours - Dylan North
2002: "The Nightmare Room" (1 episode)
2001: Chasing Destiny - Walter
1999-2001: "The Amanda Show" - Regular Performer (14 episodes)
2000: Perfect Game - Bobby Jr.
2000: High Fidelity - Rob Jr. High
1999: Dragonworld: The Legend Continues - Johnny
1999: The Jack Bull - Cage Redding
1999: Dill Scallion - Eugene Bob
1999: "Caroline in the City" - Rodney (1 episode)
1998: "Seinfeld" - Kenny (1 episode)
1997: "The Drew Carey Show" - The Blues Kid (1 episode)
1997: "The Pretender" - Shawn Boyd (1 episode)
1997: "Gun" - Brendan (1 episode)
1996: Jerry Maguire - Jesse Remo
1996: "ABC Afterschool Specials" - Scott (1 episode)
1995: "Minor Adjustments" - Jordan (1 episode)
1995: The Neon Bible - David
1995: Drifting School - Kenny Smith
1994: "Home Improvement" - Little Pete (1 episode)