Drake Reflects on His Early Acting Career in “Degrassi: Whatever It Takes” Documentary

Global rap superstar Drake has returned to his roots in a surprising way, appearing in the newly released trailer for the highly anticipated documentary Degrassi: Whatever It Takes. The film explores the legacy of the groundbreaking Canadian teen drama Degrassi, a series that not only shaped television for decades but also launched Drake’s career before he became an international music phenomenon.

Drake Reflects on His Degrassi Beginnings

Before achieving chart-topping success with hits like God’s Plan and Hotline Bling, Drake—then known by his birth name Aubrey Graham—first captured audiences as Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation.

In the trailer, Drake reflects on those formative years, candidly admitting,
“I didn’t have a great time in high school. I just didn’t really fit in. Getting the role on Degrassi started a wild journey.”

His words set the tone for the documentary, which promises to go behind the scenes of one of Canada’s most influential cultural exports.

About Degrassi: Whatever It Takes

The documentary, directed by Lisa Rideout, takes a deep dive into the long-lasting influence of the Degrassi franchise, which has spanned four decades and several iterations. From Degrassi Junior High to Degrassi: The Next Generation and beyond, the series became synonymous with bold, authentic storytelling about the challenges of adolescence.

A press release for the film explains that Degrassi: Whatever It Takes will feature:

• Interviews with former cast members, including those who played pivotal roles in the franchise.

• Insights from fans whose lives were shaped by the show’s stories.

• Commentary from series creator Linda Schuyler and executive producer Stephen Stohn.

This combination of perspectives ensures that the documentary will celebrate both the cultural impact and the personal significance of Degrassi.

Director Lisa Rideout on Degrassi’s Legacy

In a statement shared with media outlets, director Lisa Rideout praised the series for its fearless storytelling. She noted:
“Degrassi changed the landscape of television with real, unvarnished storytelling and did it unapologetically from a teenage perspective. I was inspired by how fearless the series was in tackling issues that others wouldn’t touch. This documentary celebrates the iconic Canadian franchise while revealing the impact it had on the people who made it and the audiences who loved it.”

Rideout’s comments highlight why Degrassi became such a beloved show across generations. By focusing on real teenage struggles, it resonated with audiences worldwide.

A Time Capsule of Growing Up

Executive producer Carrie Mudd echoed these sentiments, calling Degrassi “more than a TV show—it’s a time capsule of growing up.”

She explained that the franchise captured universal coming-of-age experiences, from first crushes and heartbreaks to deeper challenges like identity, friendship, and personal growth. Mudd emphasized that nothing before—or since—has managed to portray adolescence with such honesty.

“Degrassi is one of Canada’s biggest cultural exports,” Mudd said, stressing that it shaped four decades of television and touched multiple generations of kids around the globe. By producing the documentary, her team hopes to honor Degrassi as a piece of Canadian identity.

World Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival

Degrassi: Whatever It Takes will make its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 13. The festival is an appropriate venue for the documentary, given Degrassi’s Canadian roots and its worldwide influence.

Film enthusiasts, Degrassi fans, and industry insiders are already buzzing about the premiere, expecting it to draw attention not only for the nostalgic look back at a beloved show but also for Drake’s participation in the project.

Drake’s Ongoing Music Career

While revisiting his acting past for the documentary, Drake continues to dominate the music world. He is currently traveling across Europe with fellow artist PartyNextDoor on their Some Special Shows 4 U Tour. The tour includes upcoming performances in Italy, France, and Germany, where fans are eager to see both stars perform live.

At the same time, Drake is hard at work on his next studio album, titled Iceman. Although he has yet to confirm a release date, he has dropped hints on multiple occasions, suggesting that fans won’t have to wait long. Given his track record, anticipation for the album is already running high.

Why This Documentary Matters

For many, Degrassi wasn’t just a television show—it was a lifeline during the turbulent teenage years. By addressing real-life topics through its characters, the series helped normalize conversations that other shows avoided.

Drake’s return to the franchise in this documentary also underscores the lasting influence of Degrassi. Though he is now one of the world’s most successful rappers, he acknowledges the role the series played in launching his career and shaping his identity.

The documentary will serve multiple purposes:

• For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic journey back to the show that defined their adolescence.

• For newer audiences, it’s an introduction to a cultural touchstone that remains relevant today.

• For Drake’s supporters, it provides fresh insight into his early career and the experiences that shaped his rise to fame.

Degrassi’s Global Reach

One reason Degrassi continues to resonate is its global appeal. From North America to Europe and beyond, the series reached millions of viewers and earned critical acclaim for its bold approach. By highlighting universal teenage experiences—awkwardness, friendships, mistakes, and milestones—the franchise became a mirror for youth everywhere.

With Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, the documentary will not only revisit this legacy but also cement its place in television history.

Drake’s Dual Identity: Actor and Musician

Drake’s involvement in the project is a reminder of his multifaceted career. While most of the world now knows him as a rap icon, his early years on Degrassi allowed him to showcase his talents in acting and storytelling.

By participating in the documentary, Drake bridges his past and present, showing fans that his journey from teen actor to global superstar has been both unconventional and inspiring.

What to Expect from Degrassi: Whatever It Takes

Audiences can expect the documentary to deliver:

• Exclusive interviews with key figures in the franchise.

• Never-before-seen insights into how episodes were created and why they resonated.

• Drake’s personal reflections on how Degrassi influenced his life.

• A broader exploration of how the series impacted not only Canada but the world at large.

The mix of nostalgia, cultural analysis, and star power ensures that this documentary will appeal to both casual viewers and diehard fans.

Looking Ahead

As Drake gears up for the release of Iceman and continues his international tour, his appearance in Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is a powerful reminder of where he started. His reflections highlight the importance of recognizing the foundations of success, no matter how far one has come.

Meanwhile, the documentary itself promises to reignite conversations about Degrassi’s influence and spark new appreciation for its role in shaping generations of young viewers.

Conclusion: A Cultural Celebration

The release of the trailer for Degrassi: Whatever It Takes has sparked excitement worldwide, particularly with Drake’s involvement. The documentary not only celebrates the beloved Canadian franchise but also highlights the enduring cultural power of storytelling from a teenage perspective.

For fans of Degrassi, it’s a long-awaited tribute. For fans of Drake, it’s a rare chance to see him reflect on his past before his rise to fame. And for the world, it’s a reminder of how one television show managed to transcend borders, inspire generations, and create a lasting legacy in both entertainment and culture.