'Missing and endangered.' Why everyone's talking about Drake Bell.

This story includes descriptions of child sexual assault that may be distressing to some readers.

Drake Bell is best known for his role on the hit Nickelodeon series, Drake & Josh, which ran for four seasons between 2004 and 2007. 

The actor starred alongside Josh Peck, as they played teenage step-siblings who were complete opposites.

In recent years, the now-36-year-old has moved away from acting to focus on his singing career. He has also been involved in a series of controversies.

On Thursday morning US time, the Daytona Beach Police Department announced they were looking for the actor.

"He should be travelling in a 2022 grey BMW and his last known location is potentially the area of Mainland High School just before 9pm," the Facebook post read. 

"He is considered missing and endangered."

The post has since been updated, noting he had been found.

"At this time, we can confirm law enforcement officials are in contact and Mr Bell is safe."

Bell claimed on Twitter that the whole incident was a miscommunication, and he had just left his phone in his car overnight.

You leave your phone in the car and don’t answer for the night and this? 😂

— DrakeBell.ethᵍᵐ (@DrakeBell) April 13, 2023

The actor first got his start in the entertainment industry in the early 1990s with roles on Home Improvement and Seinfeld, before eventually booking his breakout role on The Amanda Show alongside Amanda Bynes.

He was on the series until its cancellation in 2002 and landed Drake & Josh shortly after.

Following some smaller roles on the TV network, Bell shifted his focus to his singing career.

Image: Getty.

In 2015, the actor was arrested for a DUI with bail set at $20,000 USD. He pleaded no contest to a misdemeanour and spent four days in jail.

In 2021, Bell pleaded guilty to charges of attempted child endangerment and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles after the victim went to police in 2018.

He was sentenced to two years' probation and 200 hours of community service. 

Before the sentence was handed down, the victim, who was then 19, spoke at length about the damage Bell had done to her life.

She accused him of grooming her from the age of 12 before allegedly sexually abusing her when she was 15. She called Bell a "paedophile" and "coward".

"I accept this plea because my conduct was wrong," Bell told the court via Zoom. 

"I'm sorry the victim was harmed. It was not my intention."

Amid his legal troubles, the actor married to his longtime girlfriend, Janet Von Schmeling. The two share a son.

However, the couple ended their relationship in January 2023, weeks after photos and videos were published of the actor inhaling balloons in his car with his son in the backseat.

According to a source, Bell has been getting outpatient help for substance abuse. 

"Drake needed to take time to get help and focus on his health."

Feature image: Getty.