What Is Drake Bell’s Net Worth?
Drake Bell, the American actor, comedian, guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and director, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $600,000. This figure reflects his earnings throughout his career in television, film, music, and related ventures. Despite achieving significant success as a child star, particularly through his roles on Nickelodeon, Bell’s financial situation has been impacted by various factors, including a bankruptcy filing in 2014.
Drake Bell’s Early Career and Rise to Fame
Drake Bell was born on June 27, 1986, in Santa Ana, California. While specific financial details regarding his early earnings are not publicly available, his acting career began at the age of five, signaling an early start in the entertainment industry. His first television appearance was in a 1994 episode of “Home Improvement.” This early exposure led to national TV commercials, including one for Whirlpool Appliances, marking the commencement of his professional income. In 2000, he received a Young Artist Award nomination for his role in “The Jack Bull,” demonstrating early recognition of his talent.
Bell’s career experienced a major boost in 2004 when he co-starred in Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh.” The show, created specifically for him and co-star Josh Peck, became a significant source of income and recognition. Although the specific salary details for his role in “Drake & Josh” are not publicly disclosed, the show’s success, spanning from 2004 to 2007 with high viewership, positioned Bell as a prominent figure in children’s entertainment, contributing substantially to his overall net worth. Drake Bell has won nine Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards, which further boosted his popularity.
Beyond television, Bell also took on roles in films such as “Jerry Maguire,” “Dragon World,” and “Yours, Mine, and Ours.” Though these roles were smaller, they contributed to his income stream during that period. In 2011, Bell starred as Timmy Turner in the live-action TV movie “A Fairly Odd Movie: Grow Up, Timmy Turner!” While the exact compensation for this role remains private, the film’s success led to reprisal of the role in 2014. In 2012, Drake Bell was cast as Spider-Man in the animated series “Ultimate Spider-Man,” and he later reprised the role in “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” voicing the role of Spider-Man in two video games for Marvel. He continued to secure roles in series like “Flying Tigers” and “I Heart Vampires” and 2017 film “Bad Kids of Crestview Academy,” further augmenting his income.
Drake Bell’s Music Career and Earnings
Bell’s musical pursuits have also played a role in his earnings. He began playing guitar at the age of twelve and co-wrote and performed “Found a Way,” the theme song for “Drake & Josh.” His debut album, “Telegraph,” was independently released in 2005. In 2006, Bell signed a record deal with Universal Motown, leading to the release of his second album, “It’s Only Time.” While specific sales figures and royalties from these albums are not publicly available, they contributed to his overall income. Drake Bell also released two more albums, “Ready, Steady, Go!” in 2014 and 2020’s “The Lost Album.”
Bell’s music career has included live performances and concert tours. In 2016, he went on a concert tour in Mexico, where his music enjoys significant popularity. The revenue generated from these concerts, including ticket sales and merchandise, would have contributed to his earnings, though specific figures are not accessible.
Drake Bell’s Financial Challenges and Bankruptcy
In February 2014, Drake Bell filed for bankruptcy protection in California, reporting nearly $600,000 in debt. This debt included a significant amount owed to the IRS. In 2007, Bell purchased a 2,640-square-foot home in Los Feliz for $2,050,000. The house was taken into foreclosure after his bankruptcy in 2014. His bankruptcy filing cited monthly income of $2,800 and monthly expenses of $18,771, highlighting the financial difficulties he faced. He also noted that his income dropped from $408,000 in 2012 to just $14,000 in 2013, showcasing the volatility of his earnings.
The foreclosure of his Los Feliz home significantly impacted his net worth. With a mortgage of $1.6 million on a property valued at $1.575 million, he faced a considerable loss. This financial setback underscores the challenges faced by many child stars as they transition into adulthood and manage their finances.
Legal Issues
In December 2015, Bell was arrested for driving under the influence in Glendale, California. The legal fees and associated costs from this incident would have also impacted his financial standing. He was found guilty in 2016 and sentenced to four days in jail and four years of probation, further affecting his reputation and potentially his future earning potential.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Drake Bell has been involved with several philanthropic organizations. He supports The Thirst Project, addressing the clean water crisis, and has made public appearances and held concerts to raise funds. He also supports Toys for Tots and Rockin A Cure, a charity supporting cystic fibrosis research. While his philanthropic efforts are commendable, they do not directly impact his net worth information.