What is Drake Bell's Net Worth and Salary?
Drake Bell, an American actor, comedian, guitarist, singer/songwriter, and occasional television director, has a net worth of $600 thousand. He gained fame as a child star on Nickelodeon in the late 90s and early 2000s, best known for "The Amanda Show" and "Drake & Josh." Despite his successful career, Bell faced personal and financial challenges, including a bankruptcy filing in 2014.
Early Life
Born on June 27, 1986, in Santa Ana, California, Drake's mother, Robin Dodson, was a professional pool player. He has an older sister and three older brothers. Bell's parents divorced when he was five years old. He attended Orange County High School of the Arts, where he honed his acting skills.
Acting Career
Encouraged by his father, Drake began acting at age five, showing talent in public speaking and impersonations. His debut was in a 1994 episode of "Home Improvement," followed by his first national TV commercial for Whirlpool. In 2000, he earned a Young Artist Award nomination for "The Jack Bull."
Drake's breakthrough came in 2004 with Nickelodeon's "Drake & Josh," which he co-starred with real-life friend Josh Peak. He received nine Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards. His film credits include "Jerry Maguire," "Dragon World," and "Yours, Mine, and Ours." He played Timmy Turner in "A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!" and starred in "Flying Tigers" and "I Heart Vampires." Bell voiced Spider-Man in "Ultimate Spider-Man" and "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes" animated series and video games.
(Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images for GBK Productions, LLC)
Music Career
Bell began playing guitar at twelve, with his first lessons from Roger Daltrey. He co-wrote and performed the "Drake & Josh" theme song "Found a Way." His debut album "Telegraph" was released independently in 2005, followed by "It's Only Time" under Universal Motown in 2006. Subsequent albums "Ready, Steady, Go!" (2014) and "The Lost Album" (2020) saw limited success. Despite a wrist injury in 2015, Bell continued playing guitar. He has a significant following in Mexico, where he toured in 2016.
(Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
Bankruptcy
In February 2014, Bell filed for bankruptcy protection in California, citing nearly $600 thousand in debt. His house in Los Feliz, purchased in 2007 for $2,050,000, was foreclosed. Bell's income dropped dramatically from $408,000 in 2012 to just $14,000 in 2013, while his monthly expenses far exceeded his income.
Personal Life
Drake Bell dated Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes from 1999 to 2001 and was engaged to Paydin LoPachin, ending in 2016. He supports several charities, including The Thirst Project, Toys for Tots, and Rockin A Cure.
In 2005, Bell was severely injured in a car accident, leading to surgery and extensive recovery time. He faced legal troubles in December 2015, with a DUI arrest leading to jail time and probation in 2016.
