The 'Drake & Josh' star says he doesn’t qualify for health coverage despite 35 years in the industry, calling on people not to become actors or join the union.
Drake Bell is not holding back. The former Nickelodeon heartthrob took to Instagram Stories on Tuesday to blast SAG-AFTRA after discovering he doesn’t qualify for health insurance under the union’s current eligibility rules.
A screenshot from the SAG-AFTRA health plan portal revealed Bell earned $17,480.53 between July 2025 and June 2026 — $11,452.47 shy of the $28,933 minimum required to maintain coverage. Under the system, even steady work over decades isn’t enough if income dips below the threshold.
"Do not become an actor. Do not join SAG," Bell wrote, adding a middle finger emoji. "You can work for 35 years and they still say [middle finger emoji]."
He tagged both SAG-AFTRA and its president, Sean Astin, sarcastically praising his leadership: "Really though Sean Astin you’re doing a bang up job." The comment implied that actors shouldn’t be running a union meant to protect them.
Bell’s outburst comes amid growing unease across the industry. Last month, 'Atypical' actor Jack Haven and 'Princess Diaries' star Heather Matarazzo also revealed they were at risk of losing coverage due to low earnings. Haven said he needed $4,000 by month’s end to qualify for 2027 benefits. Matarazzo echoed the struggle, noting that such thresholds weren’t always in place.
The situation shows a deeper crisis: many SAG members are facing termination of their memberships come November 1st due to unpaid dues. With fewer acting jobs and rising costs, the financial strain on performers is mounting. Union leaders have faced criticism for failing to support members during economic downturns, especially those who walked off sets during the 2023 strike.
Bell, who came forward in 2024 about being sexually abused as a teen by former dialogue coach Brian Peck, has since pivoted toward music and voice work. His public statement now adds pressure on SAG-AFTRA to reevaluate how it defines eligibility, and whether the system truly serves those who’ve spent their lives in front of cameras.
Variety reached out to SAG-AFTRA and Bell for comment. No response has been received as of Thursday morning.
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