Drake Bell has voiced frustration over SAG-AFTRA‘s health insurance eligibility requirements. The former child actor also directed criticism at Sean Astin, who currently serves as the national president of the actors’ union.
In his Instagram story, Bell shared a screenshot from the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan portal. The image shows that Bell’s covered earnings from July 2025 to June 2026 did not meet the minimum eligibility requirements. Sharing the image, Bell directly tagged Astin and the union in his story, criticizing how the body manages member benefits and calling for change.
“Do not become an actor. Do not join SAG,” he wrote, adding that an actor can work steadily for 35 years and still face this outcome. The 40-year-old then addressed Astin directly, writing, “Really though @seanastin you’re doing a bang-up job. How about stop using actors to run things maybe? They literally just know how to say words in front of a camera.”
The page also lists Bell’s earnings from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, which may qualify for 2027 coverage if he meets the threshold.
What else is Drake Bell known for apart from Nickelodeon’s Drake & Josh?
He began his acting career as a child actor in the 1990s, appearing in Home Improvement and several commercials. Beyond Nickelodeon‘s Drake & Josh, Bell appeared on the network’s The Amanda Show. He also starred as Timmy Turner in Nickelodeon’s live-action The Fairly OddParents television films. He later voiced Spider-Man in the animated series Ultimate Spider-Man, which ran from 2012 to 2017.
Outside film and TV, Bell pursued a career in music, releasing albums and performing as a singer and guitarist. His work includes Telegraph, It’s Only Time, and Ready Steady Go!, among others.
Despite his varied career in entertainment, Bell remains closely associated with Drake & Josh. As of publication, SAG-AFTRA and Sean Astin have yet to comment on Bell’s remarks.
