March 16, 2025: Actor and musician Drake Bell recently opened up about the challenges he faced growing up in Hollywood, particularly during his teenage years. In an interview, Bell recalled the intense media scrutiny he experienced in the 2000s, and how even the smallest mistakes were magnified by the press.
Bell explained how, as a young adolescent, he felt unfairly targeted by the media, sharing a specific memory of a time when he tripped outside the Chateau Marmont. “You’re walking with your friends and you trip outside of the Chateau Marmont on your way to the taco shop, and all of a sudden the next day it’s like, ‘Drake Bell stumbles drunk out of the Chateau Marmont,'” Bell said. “You’re like, ‘There was a crack! I tripped on the sidewalk!’ It’s always just that highlighting of all your missteps.”
Looking back, Bell expressed gratitude for missing the social media era during his time on Drake & Josh, alongside his co-star Josh Peck. “I’m thankful that Josh and I missed the social media era while we were working,” he said. “We didn’t have to compare, ‘Why did Josh have more followers than I do on Instagram? Oh, Josh got more likes on his picture than I did that I posted.’ I’m just so glad that we didn’t have to live through that.”
Despite the media challenges, Bell has continued to pursue his passion for music. He has been touring the world to promote his latest album, Non-Stop Flight. However, he hasn’t given up on acting. The musician revealed that he is currently working on a “fun romantic comedy” in Mexico, where he has developed a significant fanbase.
“I’m in Mexico a lot,” Bell said. “I recorded half my record there. I do a lot of work there, but I feel like I don’t have a permanent place right now just because I’m traveling so much. It’s literally spend two days in my apartment and then every other day is in a hotel, on a plane, in a car. I’m not sure where I live right now!”
Bell remains focused on his career and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of staying positive and surrounding himself with supportive people. “I want to get on stage and perform. I want to make movies and TV shows. I want to make people laugh,” he added. “I got to just stay focused and happy and healthy and keep my mind away from the demons. They’re always there, but being positive, trying not to dwell, and keeping people around you that care about you—that’s something that I really gained. I have people that really care about what I have to say, and I need to focus on this.”
Bell’s reflections show a deep appreciation for his journey, both the highs and the lows, as he continues to navigate the pressures of fame while pursuing his creative passions.