Drake Almost Played Jimmy Forever Even After Degrassi Ended

Описание: Drake Almost Played Jimmy Forever—Even After Degrassi Ended

Before Drake became one of the biggest names in the music industry, he was known to millions as Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation. The Canadian teen drama played a crucial role in launching his career, but what many people don’t know is that Drake almost stayed in character long after the show ended. His portrayal of Jimmy was so iconic that producers considered ways to keep his storyline alive, even as the series moved on.

The Degrassi Years: From Wheelchair Jimmy to Fan Favorite

Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, joined Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2001, playing Jimmy Brooks, a basketball star who had a promising future until he was tragically shot in a school shooting. The character was later confined to a wheelchair, earning him the nickname Wheelchair Jimmy among fans.

The shooting episode became one of the most shocking moments in Degrassi history, solidifying the show’s reputation for tackling real-life teen issues like gun violence, disability, bullying, and recovery. Jimmy’s journey, from a star athlete to someone learning how to navigate life in a wheelchair, made him one of the most relatable and beloved characters on the show.

But as Degrassi evolved, so did its cast. Like many teen dramas, Degrassi followed a formula of cycling out older characters to introduce new generations of students. While some former stars would return for guest appearances, most actors eventually left the show for good. However, Drake wasn’t just any actor—his character had become a staple of the Degrassi universe, and there were talks about extending his role beyond the typical lifespan of a student.

Why Drake Almost Stayed as Jimmy Forever

When Degrassi producers realized that Jimmy Brooks was one of the most recognizable and beloved characters, they considered keeping him on board in a more permanent capacity. According to former Degrassi showrunners, there were discussions about expanding Jimmy’s story beyond high school, potentially following his journey as an adult dealing with rehabilitation, college life, and career struggles while still appearing in the show.

One idea that was floated around was making Jimmy a Degrassi mentor—a former student who helps guide the next generation through the challenges of high school. There was also talk of giving him a spin-off series, which would have followed his life post-Degrassi, focusing on his dreams of becoming an artist while navigating the difficulties of living with a disability.

However, as Drake’s rap career began taking off, it became clear that he had different aspirations. He had already started working on music behind the scenes, releasing mixtapes under his stage name Drake and gaining attention in the hip-hop world. As much as he loved Degrassi, he knew that his future was in music, not acting.

Drake's Controversial Exit from Degrassi

Although Drake was a fan favorite, his departure from Degrassi wasn’t without controversy. In an interview years later, he revealed that he wasn’t entirely happy with how his character was handled, particularly after being confined to a wheelchair. According to reports, Drake allegedly requested that Jimmy recover from his injury and walk again, fearing that staying in the wheelchair could negatively impact his rap career.

Producers, however, stood by their decision to keep Jimmy in a wheelchair, arguing that it was a realistic and powerful storyline that resonated with viewers. Some sources claim that there were tensions between Drake and the Degrassi team as he prepared to leave the show, but ultimately, he made the decision to focus on his music career full-time.

Drake’s Transition to Music Stardom

By the time Degrassi wrapped up his storyline, Drake was already gaining traction in the music industry. His breakthrough mixtape, So Far Gone (2009), featured hits like “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful,” which helped him land a deal with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment. His debut album, Thank Me Later (2010),