16.10.2026 10:55
Drake Bell, known for the series Drake & Josh, announced that he could not benefit from the health insurance provided through the union because he could not meet the required earnings condition. Reminding of his career that began at a young age, the actor also reacted to the actors' union, saying “Don’t ever become an actor.”
Drake Bell, known for Nickelodeon productions in an acting career he began as a child, announced that he was unable to benefit from the health insurance provided through the union. The star of Drake & Josh reacted to the actors' union SAG-AFTRA with a screenshot showing that he did not meet the required earnings condition.
HE COULD NOT REACH THE EARNINGS THRESHOLD REQUIRED FOR INSURANCE
In the screenshot published on the 40-year-old actor's Instagram account, it was stated that his reported earnings or other eligibility criteria for the period between July 2025 and June 2026 were not sufficient to benefit from the health plan.
In the image, Bell's reported earnings under the plan were listed as $17,480.53. It was seen that he needed to earn $11,452.47 more in order to reach the $28,933 threshold shown on the screen.
“EVEN IF YOU WORK FOR 35 YEARS…”
Emphasizing that he has been in front of the camera for many years, Bell addressed those considering entering the profession with these words:
“Don't become an actor. Don't join SAG (the union). Even if you work for 35 years, they can turn around and give you the 'middle finger'”
HE ALSO REACTED TO SEAN ASTIN
Tagging SAG-AFTRA, Bell also criticized the union's president, Sean Astin, one of the actors from The Lord of the Rings series.
“You're really doing a great job, Sean Astin,” said the actor, continuing his words as follows:
“Maybe you could stop using actors to run things, what do you say? After all, all they know is saying a few words in front of the camera”
OTHER ACTORS ALSO DESCRIBED THE SAME PROBLEM
Before Bell's statement, Heather Matarazzo, one of the actors from The Princess Diaries, had also stated that she was at risk of losing her health insurance. Meanwhile, Jack Haven, an actor from the film I Saw the TV Glow, had called for finding more work in order to earn insurance eligibility.
Matarazzo, who said she was in the same situation as Haven, stated that many of her fellow actors also experienced similar problems.