Drake returns to his acting roots in new Degrassi: Whatever It Takes documentary [VIDEO]
Drake Stars in Degrassi: Whatever It Takes Documentary
Before he became one of the biggest music stars in the world, Drake was simply Aubrey Graham, a Canadian teenager who captured hearts on the long-running teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation. Now, he is revisiting his beginnings in a new documentary, Degrassi: Whatever It Takes.
Produced by WildBrain and Peacock Alley Entertainment, the film will make its world premiere on September 13 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The project is set to explore the cultural impact and legacy of Degrassi, while also reflecting on how the series launched careers, challenged social taboos, and built one of television’s most devoted fanbases.
Drake’s Career Beyond Degrassi
While Degrassi gave Drake his first taste of fame, music transformed him into one of the most successful artists of all time. Born Aubrey Drake Graham in Toronto, he began releasing mixtapes in the mid-2000s, with his 2009 project So Far Gone catapulting him into the spotlight. The mixtape’s success led to his signing with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, officially marking his entry into the hip-hop industry.
Drake’s debut album, Thank Me Later (2010), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, proving that his transition from actor to rapper was no passing experiment. He followed it with Take Care (2011), which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, and Nothing Was the Same (2013), solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist who could blend rap, R&B, and pop influences.
Over the next decade, Drake dominated global charts with record-breaking albums such as Views (2016), Scorpion (2018), and Certified Lover Boy (2021). His ability to craft infectious hooks, vulnerable lyrics, and trend-setting sounds made him a fixture in popular culture. Tracks like One Dance, God’s Plan, In My Feelings, and Hotline Bling became global anthems, pushing him to the forefront of streaming-era dominance.
With five Grammy Awards, dozens of Billboard chart records, and a consistent run as one of the world’s most-streamed artists, Drake has become more than a rapper—he is a cultural force. His career reflects both evolution and endurance, maintaining relevance while consistently setting trends.
By returning to Degrassi in Whatever It Takes, Drake acknowledges the role the series played in his journey. It’s a reminder that behind the global superstardom is an actor who first connected with audiences through the vulnerable portrayal of Jimmy Brooks, and that early authenticity still shapes his artistry today.
Drake’s Acting Roots on Degrassi
For newer fans who primarily know Drake as a global music icon, it may come as a surprise that his career started on the small screen. As a teenager, Drake played Jimmy Brooks, a talented basketball player whose storyline took a dramatic turn after he was paralyzed during a school shooting episode.
The role not only showcased Drake’s early acting skills but also reflected the show’s willingness to tackle sensitive, real-world issues in an honest way. Degrassi stood apart from other teen dramas by refusing to gloss over difficult topics—something that resonated deeply with its audience and gave Drake a platform to grow as both an actor and storyteller.
The Legacy of Degrassi
The Degrassi franchise has a history stretching back over four decades. It began in 1982 with The Kids of Degrassi Streetand expanded into multiple series, including Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, and Degrassi: The Next Generation. Collectively, the shows addressed everything from teen pregnancy and abortion to LGBTQ identity, racism, and mental health.
This bold storytelling made Degrassi not just entertainment, but also a cultural touchstone. For many Canadian and American teens, it was one of the first shows that reflected their real struggles on screen. Alongside The Beachcombersand Schitt’s Creek, Degrassi remains one of Canada’s most internationally recognized television exports.
What Degrassi: Whatever It Takes Will Cover
The new documentary promises to take fans behind the scenes of the franchise while honoring its enduring impact. According to a press release, the film features interviews and insights from creator Linda Schuyler, executive producer Stephen Stohn, devoted superfans like filmmaker Kevin Smith, and an array of cast members from across the Degrassiuniverse.
Among those appearing are Dayo Ade, Stefan Brogen, Shenae Grimes-Beech, Jake Epstein, Shane Kippel, Miriam McDonald, Stacie Mistysyn, Melinda Shankar, Amanda Stepto, and of course, Aubrey Drake Graham himself. Together, they revisit the show’s history and reflect on how it shaped a generation.
Why Drake’s Involvement Matters
Drake’s return to the Degrassi franchise is particularly significant. While he has long acknowledged the series as part of his roots, his meteoric rise in music often overshadowed his acting past. By participating in Whatever It Takes, Drake is not only reconnecting with a pivotal part of his story but also validating the cultural importance of the show that gave him his first big break.
For fans, his presence bridges two worlds—Degrassi’s authentic storytelling and Drake’s dominance in music. It’s a reminder that even global icons start somewhere, often in places fans least expect.
The Cultural Power of Degrassi in the U.S. and Beyond
While Degrassi originated in Canada, it quickly found a home in the United States, gaining a loyal fanbase that appreciated its frank approach to teen issues. Unlike many glossy American teen dramas of the time, Degrassi didn’t shy away from controversy.
Topics such as teen pregnancy, school violence, HIV, sexuality, and bullying were handled with honesty rather than sensationalism. This willingness to address taboo subjects head-on earned the series a reputation for authenticity, making it a vital touchstone for young viewers navigating similar struggles in real life.
Nostalgia Meets New Generations
One of the most powerful elements of Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is its ability to connect generations. For those who grew up watching the show in the 1980s, 1990s, or 2000s, the documentary offers nostalgia and behind-the-scenes insight. For younger fans discovering Degrassi through streaming platforms, it provides cultural context and a sense of continuity.
With the participation of both legacy cast members and modern icons like Drake, the film bridges the gap between past and present, ensuring the franchise’s relevance continues into the future.
Anticipation Ahead of TIFF Premiere
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival is a fitting tribute to Degrassi’s Canadian roots. TIFF has long celebrated projects that highlight the country’s cultural contributions, and the inclusion of Whatever It Takes reinforces the show’s importance both domestically and internationally.
As fans await the September 13 premiere, anticipation is high not only for nostalgic reflections but also for the stories behind the show’s bold decision-making, its global fanbase, and its lasting influence on television storytelling.
Why Degrassi: Whatever It Takes Matters
Degrassi: Whatever It Takes is more than just a television retrospective. It’s a reminder of how storytelling shapes generations and how even global icons like Drake began with humble, authentic roles that connected with audiences.
By revisiting the past through candid interviews and personal reflections, the documentary honors the show’s legacy while inspiring new viewers to appreciate its impact. For Drake, the project is a homecoming—a chance to celebrate the roots that helped shape his path to superstardom.
As fans prepare for its TIFF premiere, one thing is clear: Degrassi will always matter, and so will the stories of the people who made it unforgettable.