Drake Bell is actively taking measures to officially dissolve his estranged marital union. According to TMZ, the former star of "Drake & Josh" filed for divorce from his wife, Janet Von Schmeling, in Seminole County, Florida, on August 14th, marking a significant turn two years after she initially filed for divorce in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Indeed, Janet had first initiated the proceedings to terminate their four-year marriage in April 2023, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their separation in September 2022. Court documents at that time indicated her desire for primary legal and physical custody of their 4-year-old son, Wyatt, as well as seeking alimony.
Since then, the Nickelodeon alumnus has offered glimpses into his seemingly harmonious co-parenting relationship with Janet. During a recent appearance on "The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby," Drake openly expressed his affection, saying, "I don't care if I'm angry at my ex-wife. All my son knows is that me and his mom love each other." He further elaborated, "We're not together, but we love each other. We respect each other and love him unconditionally. Whenever he's with me, I remind him that 'His mama loves him; mama's amazing.'"
Drake admitted to not always having had the most positive relationship with his own parents, vowing to be the best father he could be. He quipped, "We love our parents, but, my God, did they teach us how and what not to do as parents. I hope I can recognize and avoid certain behaviors. For instance, in my generation or my parents', divorce was common, and the kids were often caught in the middle."
The 39-year-old then recalled how hearing his parents speak ill of each other had deeply affected him. "It was like a reflection of myself. Essentially, you're telling me that I suck because if he has no good qualities and you have no good qualities, and you hate each other, then what do you appreciate in me? I am literally the embodiment of what you dislike. This idea was ingrained in me, causing tension. It was like, 'That's my mom. Stop talking about my mom that way,'" he emotionally shared.
As Drake and Janet continue to navigate their divorce, their commitment to fostering a loving and respectful coparenting environment for Wyatt remains evident.
