Drake Reflects On Intense School Shooting Episode In Degrassi Documentary

Drake, who starred as Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation, recalls the emotional impact of learning his character would be permanently injured in a school shooting episode, as revealed in the new documentary Degrassi: Whatever It Takes. The documentary, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, explores 40 years of the series and features Drake reflecting on the shock and sadness experienced during the script read-through of the "Time Stands Still" episode. Drake expressed the difficulty of accepting his character's new reality and praised the show's unflinching approach to depicting life's harsh realities. Degrassi creator Linda Schuyler explained that the storyline was inspired by the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 and described the emotional atmosphere on set during the read-through. Ephraim Ellis, who played the shooter, provided insight into his character's troubled background, emphasizing the episode's serious themes. Currently, Drake is preparing to release his ninth studio album, ICEMAN, continuing his successful career beyond acting.