Drake has revealed that one of his first on-screen kisses occurred during his time on the teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation. The 38-year-old Canadian rap superstar, born Aubrey Graham, made his acting debut as Jimmy Brooks in the CTV series in 2001, aged just 14. He has since admitted that the kiss with co-star Lauren Collins, who played Paige Michalchuk, was significant for him, as he had very little prior experience with girls.
++ Billy Porter cancels manchester pride performance due to illness
Reflecting on the role in the trailer for the documentary Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, Drake recalled his early years: “I didn’t have a great time in high school. I just didn’t really fit in. And one day my mum called me and told me, ‘You got the role,’ and I just grabbed my bag and left. Man, what a wild journey that started.” He later realised: “She had to be one of my first kisses for sure. Damn, I never thought about it like that.”
Drake’s career trajectory could have been very different. He previously recounted getting high just before his life-changing Degrassi audition, admitting that peer pressure had played a role in his decision. He said this experience often leaves him wondering how life might have unfolded differently had things gone wrong that day.
++ Zarah Sultana criticises Jeremy Corbyn over antisemitism and brexit
The Rich Flex hitmaker has sold more than 170 million records worldwide, becoming one of the biggest music stars on the planet. Yet, he continues to reflect deeply on his youth and early experiences, explaining that these moments have stayed with him and contributed to the surreal sense of reality that shapes both his life and his art.
