The Shocking Age Timeline: How Old Was Drake When He Started And Left Degrassi?

The question of how old Drake was on *Degrassi* is more than just a trivia fact; it's a crucial piece of the puzzle that explains his rapid, unprecedented transition from a Canadian teen actor to a global hip-hop icon. As of December 12, 2025, the release of the highly anticipated *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes* documentary has brought Aubrey "Drake" Graham's early career back into the spotlight, reminding fans that he spent his entire formative teenage and young adult years in the role of Jimmy Brooks.

The timeline is surprisingly compact: Drake was only 14 years old when he was cast in 2001, and he was 22 when he made his final major appearance in 2009. This eight-year period on the set of *Degrassi: The Next Generation* coincided exactly with the time he was secretly developing the rap skills that would launch him to superstardom, making the show's set the unlikely incubator for the artist known worldwide as "The 6 God."

Aubrey "Drake" Graham: The Jimmy Brooks Biography & Profile

Before the platinum records, the sold-out arena tours, and the record-breaking streaming numbers, Drake was simply Aubrey Graham, a young Canadian actor navigating a demanding role on a beloved teen drama. His time on the show laid the foundation for his professional work ethic and public persona.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• Full Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
• Born: October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Role on *Degrassi*: Jimmy Brooks
• Seasons: 1–8 (Main Cast), Guest in Season 9
• Years Active on Show: 2001–2009
• Age at Start: 14 years old (Cast and filming began in 2001)
• Age at Final Major Appearance: 22 years old (2009)
• Character Arc Summary: A popular, talented basketball player whose life is dramatically altered in Season 4 when he is shot by a classmate, resulting in him becoming a wheelchair user.

The Degrassi Age Timeline: From 14 to 22

Drake’s tenure on *Degrassi: The Next Generation* covers his entire adolescence, from his entry into high school to his character's graduation and his own leap into the music industry. Understanding his age at key points reveals the pressure and commitment required to balance two burgeoning careers.

1. The Start: Drake Was 14 Years Old (2001)

When *Degrassi: The Next Generation* premiered in 2001, Aubrey Graham had just turned 14 (his birthday is in October). He was cast as Jimmy Brooks, a charismatic and popular freshman at Degrassi Community School. The role was his first major acting break, secured after his mother's friend helped him get an audition. This initial period saw him as a regular high school student, dealing with typical teen drama alongside other main cast members like Stefan Brogren (Archie 'Snake' Simpson) and Nina Dobrev (Mia Jones).

2. The Turning Point: Drake Was 17–18 Years Old (2004–2005)

The most defining moment for the character Jimmy Brooks, and arguably for Drake's time on the show, occurred during Season 4. In a harrowing storyline that addressed school violence, Jimmy was shot by a classmate, Rick Murray, and was paralyzed from the waist down, becoming a wheelchair user. Drake was 17, turning 18, when this storyline aired. He later admitted that he struggled with the direction of the plot, fearing it would affect his image as he began to pursue his music career.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

3. The Secret Transition: Drake Was 19–21 Years Old (2006–2007)

This period is the most fascinating in the Drake/Degrassi story. While still a prominent figure on the show, Drake was simultaneously developing his skills as a rapper. At age 19, in 2006, he self-released his first mixtape, *Room for Improvement*. A year later, at age 20, he released his second mixtape, *Comeback Season*. He famously used his acting salary from the show to fund his early music projects, a fact that underscores his dedication to the transition. The set of the Canadian teen drama was, unbeknownst to many, the launchpad for a future hip-hop powerhouse.

4. The Departure: Drake Was 22 Years Old (2009)

Drake’s final major appearance as Jimmy Brooks was in Season 8, and he made a guest appearance in Season 9, which aired in 2009. By this time, he was 22, and his music career was exploding. In February 2009, he released the mixtape *So Far Gone*, which contained the breakthrough hit "Best I Ever Had." This project caught the attention of Lil Wayne, leading to Drake signing with Young Money Entertainment. The success of *So Far Gone* made it clear that his time on *Degrassi* had to end, allowing him to fully commit to becoming the global superstar he is today.

From Degrassi to Global Icon: The Unconventional Career Path

Drake’s career trajectory is unique, as few actors have successfully transitioned from a major television role to becoming a dominant figure in the music industry. His time on *Degrassi: The Next Generation* provided him with more than just a paycheck; it gave him an education in the public eye and a platform to hone his craft.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The Impact of the Jimmy Brooks Storyline

The decision to make Jimmy Brooks a character with a disability was controversial at the time, but it gave Drake a challenging dramatic role. The school shooting plot in Season 4 remains one of the most memorable and intense storylines in the history of the Canadian teen drama. Drake has reflected on the experience in recent years, noting how the show’s willingness to tackle difficult subjects—from drug use to teen pregnancy, with characters like Aislinn Paul's Clare Edwards—made it a cultural phenomenon.

The 2025 Documentary and Recent Reflections

The enduring legacy of the show and Drake's role was recently highlighted by the 2025 documentary, *Degrassi: Whatever It Takes*, directed by Lisa Rideout. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 50), features interviews with Drake and other cast members, offering a fresh, up-to-date look at the show's history. This recent project confirms that Drake remains connected to his roots and that his time as Jimmy Brooks is an inseparable part of his legendary career narrative.

In short, Drake was a teen idol who successfully used his platform to fund and launch his rap career. He started as a 14-year-old on the cusp of adolescence and left as a 22-year-old on the cusp of becoming a billionaire hip-hop mogul. The foundation for the "Started From the Bottom" narrative was quite literally built on the set of *Degrassi* in Toronto.