Drake Bell and Josh Peck are still big fans of Amanda Bynes.
During a recent heart-to-heart chat, Drake & Josh co-stars reminisced about their Nickelodeon past and their bond since then. They also disclosed where they currently stand with their Amanda Show co-star, over twenty years after the show’s conclusion.
On the March 27th episode of Ben Soffer’s podcast that I co-host with Drake, I shared a heartfelt sentiment about an amazing individual I occasionally cross paths with. Every two to three years, we meet again, and let me tell you, she was remarkable then, and she remains so now. She’s not just a good person, but one with a truly exceptional heart, skills, and talents. Despite the public challenges she’s faced, her resilience and kindness continue to inspire me. I simply adore her.
After leaving acting in 2010, the actress from “She’s the Man” frequently made news due to legal issues, questionable social media statements, and significant alterations in her look. She was put under a temporary guardianship by her parents in 2013, but this ended in 2022.
With regards to Drake, their connection faded following the conclusion of The Amanda Show in 2002. However, it’s important to note that he consistently supported her throughout all her endeavors.
Indeed, it was in the year 2016 that he managed to meet up with Amanda, who later on provided him with valuable insights about her path towards becoming a nail technician.
On the podcast, Drake shared that he sent her a message out of the blue since she had been in the news, and he found himself thinking about her. To his surprise, she replied, and they exchanged a few messages. However, that was the last conversation they had.
Moreover, he pointed out that she was an “explosive natural talent” during their time together on set, expressing his longstanding admiration for her.
He confessed that she was a role model for him, almost like Rachel from ‘Friends.’ To me, she was absolutely colossal.
What is the current state of the relationship between Drake and Josh, considering their history? A short period of distance in their friendship was resolved following the broadcast of Quiet on Set – a documentary where Drake revealed himself as the minor victim in a 2003 sexual assault case involving former Nickelodeon voice coach Brian Peck. It wasn’t until Josh saw this documentary that he discovered the abuse Drake experienced during filming.
On the March 24th podcast episode, Josh recollected, “Brian, who was always around during The Amanda Show, and then he suddenly disappeared. I didn’t have specific knowledge about what might have occurred, but I just had a sense that something unusual took place.
He went on, “We were riding in the car, and I asked, ‘By any chance do you still communicate with Brian?’ You gave me a look that said, ‘No, Brian is not someone to be associated with.’ It was enough for me to understand. I didn’t need further details. I simply thought, ‘I see,’ which was all the confirmation I required.
For more bombshells from Quiet on Set, keep reading.
In an interview on the ID series, Drake Bell disclosed for the first time that he had never discussed this matter beyond therapy sessions. Specifically, he revealed that Brian Peck had abused him sexually.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share my insights about a captivating series that delves into the gravity of certain allegations against Peck, a renowned dialogue and acting coach who also graced our screens in minor roles such as “Pickle Guy” on All That. Interestingly, when it comes to discussing these serious matters directly on camera, the actor from Drake & Josh chose not to elaborate. The series instead employs visuals derived from the official charges against Peck for a more impactful portrayal of events.
Bell stated that the mistreatment was severe and became quite violent. A producer suggested he should only disclose what he felt comfortable with, to which he responded, “Imagine the most horrific acts of sexual violence one person could inflict upon another. That, in essence, is what I’m referring to. I can’t think of a better way to phrase it.
As I stand here today, I find myself reflecting on the events of over fifteen years ago. In August 2003, I was apprehended and later, in October 2004, I was convicted after pleading no contest to two charges: one for lewd acts with a minor aged between 14 and 15, who was ten years younger than me, and another for oral copulation of a minor under the age of 16. The details of my sentencing, as reviewed by TopMob News, dictated that I served a term of 16 months in prison. Additionally, I was obligated to register myself as a sex offender.
TopMob News attempted to get a comment from Drake Bell, but did not receive a response. Nickelodeon, in a statement to NBC News, expressed disappointment and sadness upon learning about the traumatic experiences Drake Bell had disclosed as the plaintiff in the 2004 case. They commend his courage for speaking out and stand behind him.
In my expert opinion, Peck intentionally created tension between himself and his TV dad, Joe Bell (a familiar face from the ID series and a strong supporter of my account), to foster a closer bond with the young actor who had a recurring role on The Amanda Show prior to landing his own sitcom, Drake & Josh, in 2004.
According to Bell’s account, Peck would escort him to auditions and then let him stay overnight, claiming it was too late to drive him back home. One evening, as Bell recalled, he awoke on the couch (where he typically slept) to find that Peck was sexually abusing him.
In a state of stunned surprise, Bell admitted they were at a loss for words and actions, unsure of how to respond or escape from the predicament.
Despite Peck appearing remorseful, the mistreatment continued, and Bell confessed that he didn’t inform anyone about it, not even when his girlfriend’s mother suspected something was amiss and took him to a counselor. He feared that speaking up would end his career.
In due time, he admitted that he could no longer contain his emotions and told his mother all the secrets. Immediately afterward, she contacted the police. According to Bell, investigators made him provide a thorough account of the abuse, after which they instructed him to phone Peck to coax a confession. As Bell stated, Peck began a complete confession at that point and was subsequently apprehended on August 20, 2003.
In the book “Quiet on Set“, Bell mentioned that Dan Schneider, the creator and executive producer of both “The Amanda Show” and “Drake & Josh“, promptly offered assistance when needed and stood behind him after Peck was arrested.
If not, he didn’t get much communication from his coworkers, possibly because it was a delicate matter or they simply weren’t aware. The only person I recall being supportive during this time was Dan. Sadly, there was no counseling available and I had to deal with things on my own…which, given my age, may not have been the wisest choice.
For a significant number of years, the documents related to Bell’s case remained under seal. However, once these records were made public, various curious individuals had access to information about the 41 letters of endorsement that were submitted on Peck’s behalf prior to his sentencing in 2004.
According to journalist Kate Taylor from Business Insider, neither Nickelodeon nor Schneider himself wrote a letter, as reported in Taylor’s 2022 investigative piece that detailed allegations of misconduct against Schneider. This inspired the ID series, and as series co-director Mary Robertson told Vanity Fair, they expressed appreciation for Taylor’s work by writing her a letter of admiration and proposing to collaborate further and build upon her already impressive reporting.
Among the individuals who penned letters, we have: James Marsden, Taran Killam from Saturday Night Live, Will Friedle and Rider Strong from Boy Meets World, Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns of Growing Pains.
In simpler terms, according to the show, Marsden stated that he had known Peck for 14 years and expressed that the hardships Peck faced in the past year were equivalent to those of a hundred men. Additionally, as reported by the series, Killam mentioned that Peck, who was on The Amanda Show and Drake & Josh, has admitted to regretting any errors he may have made in the past.
In the year 2016, Thicke passed away. Our team at TopMob News has attempted to reach representatives of Marsden, Killam, Friedle, Strong, and Kerns for a statement on the matter, but have yet to receive any response.
In following Taylor’s insights from the ID series, it became clear that it might have been the case that none of the actors were fully aware of the seriousness of the accusations against Peck when they penned those letters.
In a statement found within the book “Quiet on Set, Kerns admitted that her original letter was based entirely on false information. If she had known then what she knows now, she would not have penned the letter.
As a committed fan, I echo the sentiments recently shared by Strong and Friedle, who have admitted to regretting their past association with Peck on Boy Meets World in 1999. In a more recent episode of Pod Meets World that Danielle Fishel co-hosts with them, they revealed that they were unaware of the full story back then.
According to Strong, he never claimed that no incident had transpired. Instead, when we learned about the case, it was already presented as an admission of guilt, but with the added claim of being a victim in a situation involving a minor and an older person who was attractive. This is the narrative we accepted.
Friedle remarked, “We found ourselves in that courtroom on the wrong end of everything. The victim’s mother glanced at us and said, ‘See all these famous faces you brought along? And yet, it doesn’t alter what you did to my child.’ I felt like I wanted to disappear. It was as if to say, ‘What on earth am I doing here?’ The entire experience was nothing short of terrifying.
In episode 5 titled “Breaking the Silence,” Bell expressed that while he values Friedle and Strong’s viewpoint, it didn’t alter his feelings about the court day for Brian Peck’s sentencing in 2004, when he noticed his abuser was surrounded by supporters in the courtroom.
As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but share that, surprisingly, none of those who penned heartfelt letters in support of Peck ever got in touch with him, even the talented cast members from “Boy Meets World,” according to Bell.
In 2013 and 2016, Friedle lent his voice to Deadpool on some episodes of the animated “Ultimate Spider-Man,” with Bell portraying Peter Parker. However, they never publicly discussed their collaboration. This is according to the actor’s statement.
However, Bell noted, “Discussing this topic can be challenging, particularly within a professional setting. What makes it tough is the diversity in how people handle their traumas and the varying conclusions they reach at different stages of life… I now value their viewpoint greatly, but that event remains deeply etched in my memory.
TopMob News has reached out to Friedle for comment.
At the gathering described in “Quiet on Set“, it was remembered that everyone from the production visited Peck’s house for a barbecue. The individual, who was both an actor and dialogue coach (having previously worked on The Amanda Show and Amanda Bynes‘ sitcom What I Like About You), had a collection of old toys and comic books filling a room, as recalled by Kyle Sullivan, and a garage dedicated to Planet of the Apes memorabilia.
Sullivan remembered that Peck was guiding him around when he pointed out a portrait of a clown, painted by the notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Gacy is known for having murdered at least 33 boys and young men, as reported in accounts of his crimes, and was executed in 1994. Peck also kept a collection of letters supposedly from Gacy, which he displayed prominently on his nightstand near his bed, according to Sullivan’s account.
TopMob News contacted Peck concerning his reported fascination with Gacy, as depicted in the series, but we didn’t receive a response.
On episode 5, alum Shane Lyons voiced his thoughts for the first time, sharing with host Soledad O’Brien that there were indeed some inappropriate advances from Peck which he hadn’t recognized initially.
Speaking about his past, Lyons recalled an instance where he was asked about blue balls by someone who turned out to be referring to testicles, not racket balls. At the time, he explains, he was unfamiliar with the term due to his lack of knowledge. Reflecting on this now as a 36-year-old, Lyons admits that such a conversation with a young boy would have been inappropriate and nonsensical.
Primarily, he was thankful that nothing worse transpired for him, and he commended Bell for sharing his experiences.
TopMob News has reached out to Peck but has not yet heard back.
In retrospect, or even at the time, several actors who once starred in shows produced by Schneider have shared in “Quiet on Set” their discomfort regarding certain outfits they had to don and humorous stunts that might now be seen as having questionable taste, yet were broadcasted for Nickelodeon audiences nationwide.
Speaking about Leon Frierson, he reminisced about his role on “All That” from 1997 to 2000, which required him to don flesh-toned leggings and undergarments to portray a superhero named “Nose Boy.” His character sported accessories that resembled a phallic symbol on each shoulder. In one skit, Nose Boy would sneeze, causing a blob of snot to land on a girl’s face.
It’s worth noting that a recurring joke involving sticky substances being thrown at female characters, notably in shows like Zoey 101, was highlighted by Alexa Nikolas – Jamie Lynn Spears’ co-star from ID series. This pattern has also been observed in other Schneider’s works, and it’s important to mention that Jennette McCurdy from iCarly and other former Nickelodeon actors have previously criticized the network for not providing adequate protection to young talent.
Frierson stated in the series that the situation was awkward. However, no one seemed to voice their discomfort to Schneider. Frierson explained that as a young writer-producer on All That, it was crucial to be on Schneider’s good side, and he made sure everyone knew who held that position.
A representative for Schneider clarified to TopMob News, “The content shown on the programs that Dan oversaw was thoroughly reviewed and approved by multiple adults within the network. If there were any questionable scenes being interpreted as ‘sexual’ by some viewers, long after the fact, they would have been removed. However, these scenes continue to be aired globally today, appreciated not just by adults but also by children and parents alike.
The representative added, “It’s important to note that all the stories, dialogues, costumes, and makeup were thoroughly vetted by network executives on both coasts. Every script was read and approved by a standards and practices group, while each episode received final approval from programming executives. Moreover, there were always parents, caregivers, and their companions present during filming and rehearsals. Any scenes or outfits deemed inappropriate would have been flagged and prevented due to this multiple-tiered supervision.
It’s unfortunate when grown-ups mistakenly judge children’s programs based on their adult perspectives, leading to incorrect assumptions.
As a dedicated follower, I’d like to share insights from my days on the sketch show “All That,” which spanned from 1994 to 1997. Even at 41, those experiences continue to linger in my mind.
One time, producers phoned our home and discussed with my parents, saying something like, “Katrina is becoming too heavy. We already have someone large, she can’t be the heavy one,” according to her account in Quiet on Set. Despite my parents defending me, Katrina mentioned that this statement left a lasting impact: “You can’t be the heavy one.” I can still hear those words echoing in my mind until today.
Shortly thereafter, Johnson explained that she entered puberty and no longer appeared childlike, leading her to be gradually replaced by a more youthful version of herself.
Regarding the various recollections in the ID series, Nickelodeon told NBC News in a statement:
Though we can’t confirm or deny claims about past behaviors from old productions, Nickelodeon always looks into formal complaints as part of our dedication to creating a secure and professional workspace that’s free from harassment or inappropriate actions. Our primary focus is the well-being and best interests of our employees, actors, crew members, and most importantly, children. Over the years, we’ve implemented various measures to ensure we meet our own high standards and the expectations of our viewers.
Bryan Christopher Hearne, who appeared in seasons seven and eight of All That, was given the role of portraying the youngest rapper ever, “Lil Fetus,” a character needing a tight bodysuit. In an ID series, he shared that he heard someone on set suggest that the skin tone should be dark as charcoal.
The crack left him with a feeling of sadness in his eyes, he recollected, yet by that point, he was too scared to share this emotion with his mother, Tracey Browne, who had earned a reputation on set for swiftly defending her son. This act, as both Browne and Hearne stated in the docuseries, was generally met with disapproval.
Browne admitted to becoming an outsider,” she stated. Simultaneously, she pointed out that it wasn’t lost on her that her son was being asked to portray stereotypical Black characters. For example, she mentioned, Hearne’s role as a child peddling Girl Scout-like cookies in a manner reminiscent of someone dealing drugs.
In the book “Quiet on Set“, Kyle Sullivan, despite finding Dan Schneider’s fascination with goo-related humor peculiar, expressed that they generally maintained a positive relationship.
According to Hearne, Schneider appeared to have a more amicable bond with certain other white children. He attributes his approach and continued handling of racial matters to his experiences during his time at Nickelodeon.
A representative from Schneider contested this description, pointing out the producer’s extensive track record of showcasing Black actors in his TV series, as well as his later collaborations with “All That” breakout talents such as Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell.
According to the book “Quiet on Set“, it wasn’t only teenagers who remembered working in an unhealthy or hostile environment on the shows that were run by Schneider.
Jenny Kilgen mentioned in the ID series that when she and Christy Stratton were brought on board as writers for The Amanda Show in 1999, they were instructed to share a single salary, meaning their combined earnings equaled what a single writer in their position would typically earn.
However, according to Kilgen’s recollection, she was eager for employment and chose not to voice her discomfort by complaining. Moreover, she admitted that she didn’t object when Schneider referred to her and Stratton as “the girls” rather than using their names.
Furthermore, both individuals asserted that Schneider often expressed the viewpoint that women aren’t funny, and he also engaged in belittling practical jokes.
At another time, when Schneider designed the character “Penelope Taynt” for Bynes on The Amanda Show, Stratton and Kilgen claimed that he asked them not to reveal to the network executives that the name was a deliberate double entendre. They remained silent, fearing his displeasure.
When Kilgen discovered that the shared salary arrangement violated union guidelines, she informed the Writers Guild of America. Kilgen disclosed that Schneider had phoned her at home and threatened that if she was indeed the one who reported him, she would never be employed by Nickelodeon or any other company owned by Viacom ever again.
On the set, it was noted that Dan Schneider disputes Jenny’s allegations, stating that he held no authority over salary decisions.
A representative from Schneider clarified this point to TopMob News, emphasizing that while ‘The Amanda Show’ was made by another production house (Tollin/Robbins), it is important to note that even on shows he created, the salaries were managed both by the television network and also by the Writers Guild of America.
Regarding Schneider’s past actions, it’s unfortunate that writers’ rooms from over two decades ago were often inappropriate environments. However, Dan deeply regrets his part in creating such an atmosphere and has since undergone significant personal growth. His behavior was unacceptable and should never be tolerated in a professional setting; he would never repeat such actions today.
In the show, Bell expressed, “I can recall every instance of abuse clearly, yet everything else seems hazy. This is disappointing because there were many wonderful experiences in my life and career throughout that period, but they’ve been overshadowed and marred by what I was going through personally.
The actor, who has a son with his separated wife Janet Von Schmeling (they split in 2022), admitted guilt in 2021 for one charge each of attempted child endangerment and distributing inappropriate content to a minor. He received community service and probation as punishment.
Bell admitted in a video that he had sent “hastily made and unwise” messages to someone who turned out to be a minor, unaware of their age at the time. He immediately ended all communication once he discovered the truth. It’s important to clarify, he said, that there were no explicit images or physical contact between him and this person.
His adolescent years, he shared in the series, were marked by significant self-harm and intense self-dislike. To escape this turmoil, he resorted to excessive drinking and drug use. Regarding his 2021 arrest, he acknowledged his guilt, complied with the requirements, but the media’s spread of misinformation took a devastating toll on him, leading him to lose control.
In April 2023, he went missing in Daytona Beach, Florida, but was found the next day and dismissed the incident with a laugh. He tweeted something along the lines of “You forget your phone in the car and don’t respond for the night, and this is what happens?” Previously in that same year, it was said that he had sought outpatient care for substance abuse issues.
In the show, the artist from Ready Steady Go! expressed that if he had persisted on that course, it could have spelled his downfall.
He had reached his absolute lowest point, he explained, which led him to seek help. In this treatment center, he experienced a turning point as he engaged in grief and trauma therapy – a unique environment filled with individuals who sincerely wished for his recovery more than anything else after a long time.
Dan Schneider’s tenure at Nickelodeon concluded in 2018, when the channel discontinued his show “Game Shakers” after three seasons. However, “Henry Danger” persisted for a fifth season. In a commendatory joint statement acknowledging his “series of enduring, pioneering successes,” Nickelodeon expressed gratitude to Schneider and his team at Schneider’s Bakery for their “invaluable impact on Nickelodeon.” Meanwhile, Schneider reciprocated by stating that he and his team would forever remain avid supporters of the network.
However, reports soon emerged suggesting that his dismissal was a result of numerous complaints regarding the behavior of the productive content creator during the era following the #MeToo movement. (In 2021, four individuals familiar with the review informed the New York Times that an internal examination concluded that Schneider could be verbally aggressive but found no proof of sexual misconduct.)
In a statement given to Quiet on Set, he stated that the reason for his departure from Nickelodeon as previously described is not accurate. Yet, he admitted that if presented with the same opportunity today, there are certain things he would handle differently. Over time, he has gained valuable insights into being a more effective leader.
In reaction to the debut of “Quiet on Set“, Schneider subsequently had an interview with actor “BooG!e” from “iCarly“. During this conversation, the producer expressed regret for any rude or thoughtless actions, yet refuted accusations of racial bias or exploitation of underage actors on his programs.
Hearne and his former All That colleague, Giovannie Samuels, couldn’t help but chuckle openly when O’Brien mentioned Schneider’s apology.
In summary, Hearne found the overall interview amusing. He added candidly that Dan had acting experience prior to this, which he believes contributed to a well-performed presentation. However, he questioned where all the apologies were when Jennette McCurdy’s book was released.
In her shocking 2022 autobiography titled “I’m Glad My Mom Died“, McCurdy opened up about several aspects of her life, including the perceived necessity to wear a bikini on the show iCarly, and the uncomfortable pressure she faced from someone called merely “The Creator”, who encouraged her to drink alcohol.
Hearne added, “Isn’t an apology meaningless without accountability? In essence, strip off the inappropriate humor, what exactly is left of your program?
TopMob News contacted Schneider for a response regarding the recent “Quiet on Set” episode, but we haven’t received a reply so far.
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2025-03-27 23:48