The Transformation Of Drake From 15 To 34 Years Old

This may come as a surprise to some, but Drake (pictured here at 19) kickstarted his career as an actor nearly 10 years before making an impact on the rap scene. Back in 2001, he made his television debut while appearing in an episode of the Canadian crime drama, "Blue Murder," before landing himself a lead role as Jimmy Brooks in "Degrassi: The Next Generation," going on to star in a whopping 145 episodes during the show's eight-year run. 

During his time on "Degrassi," Drake also made appearances on "Soul Food," "The Border," and "Being Erica," to name a few projects. And in 2007, he made his big-screen debut, playing the minor part of A/V Jones in the comedy/drama film, "Charlie Barlett," which starred the likes of the late Anton Yelchin, Kat Dennings, and Robert Downey Jr. — no big deal.

While pursuing a career on the big and small screen, Drake was also trying to break through into the music scene and released a couple of mixtapes — "Room for Improvement" and "Comeback Season," per Biography. In a 2015 interview with W magazine, he explained he was juggling two professions and was told to choose one over the other. "Back then, I'd spend a full day on set and then go to the studio to make music until 4 or 5 a.m," he recalled. "I'd sleep in my dressing room and then be in front of the cameras again by 9 a.m."

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7XCpKCsr5mbwW%2BvzqZmbHFhbYJ0e9OhnGasopa7tLLOq6SarJmku267xWabq5mbmnqnvs6mZGptXam8bn%2BTZrCemaKoerC4w2g%3D