Many of our favorite stars from Nickelodeon’s iconic shows like Drake & Josh, iCarly, and Zoey 101 are now navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood. From teen rebels to role models, these stars have grown up and become proud parents. Here’s a look at which Nickelodeon stars have entered the world of parenting, proving that the next phase of their lives is just as heartwarming as their TV roles.
1. Drake Bell: From Teen Rebel to Dedicated Dad
Drake Bell, famous for his role as the rebellious teen in Drake & Josh, is now a proud father to son Jeremy, whom he shares with ex-wife Janet Von Schmeling. The 3-year-old has inspired Bell to open up about his past experiences, including his struggles as a victim of child abuse.
Bell expressed that as his son grows, he hopes Jeremy will see him as someone who overcame adversity and became a hero in his own right. “My hope is that he’ll be able to say, ‘My dad did go through that. And the man that I know today is a hero to me,’” Bell shared.
2. Josh Peck: From Nickelodeon Star to Proud Father of Two
Josh Peck, who played Drake’s lovable brother on Drake & Josh, is also living his best life as a father of two. He and wife Paige O’Brien have two sons: Max Milo Peck, born in 2018, and Shai Miller Peck, born in 2022.
Peck has spoken candidly about how parenthood has transformed his life. “Until you have a child, you don’t truly understand the level of love and joy that comes from putting someone before yourself,” he said. His growing family has only deepened his appreciation for the bond they share.
3. Jamie Lynn Spears: From Zoey 101 Star to Mom of Two
Jamie Lynn Spears, who captured hearts as Zoey Brooks on Zoey 101, has entered the world of motherhood with two children of her own. She welcomed her first daughter, Maddie, in 2008 with then-fiancé Casey Aldridge, and her second, Ivey, in 2018 with husband Jamie Watson.
Spears, now a proud mom, reflected on her teenage pregnancy and how it affected the show. “I was on a Nickelodeon show, so I felt responsible for what these young girls were gonna think looking up to me,” she recalled. “But I quickly learned that being a good and competent mother has nothing to do with age.”
4. Melissa Joan Hart: From Clarissa Explains It All to Mom of Three Teen Boys
Melissa Joan Hart, the beloved star of Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, is now the proud mother of three teenage boys. She has sons Mason (18), Braydon (16), and Tucker (12), and has embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Hart has shared that while it’s important to give your children everything they need, the key to parenting is love. “If you just show your kids love, it starts with that,” she said.
5. Nathan Kress: iCarly Star Raising Three Kids
Nathan Kress, famous for his role as Freddie Benson on iCarly, is now raising three kids with wife London. Their children include daughter Rosie Carolyn (born in 2017), daughter Evie Elise (born in 2021), and son Lincoln William (born in 2023).
Kress has opened up about the demands of raising well-rounded children with strong values. “There’s an incredible amount of investment required to raise well-rounded, loving, kind children with character and integrity,” he explained.
6. Emma Roberts: From Unfabulous to Full-Time Mom
Emma Roberts, who starred in Unfabulous in the early 2000s, is now a proud mom to son Rhodes, whom she shares with ex Garrett Hedlund. Roberts has expressed deep admiration for women who juggle full-time careers and full-time parenting, acknowledging the challenges of motherhood.
“Being a mom is a full-time job,” Roberts said, reflecting on the demands of raising her child while navigating a busy career.
7. Carlos PenaVega: Big Time Rush Star with a Big Family
Carlos PenaVega, known for his role in Big Time Rush, is now the father of three children with wife Alexa PenaVega. Their children include son Ocean (born in 2016), son Kingston (born in 2019), and daughter Rio (born in 2021).
Tragically, the couple suffered a heartbreaking loss with the stillbirth of their daughter, Indy. Despite the pain, they have found peace and strength in their family. “There are never the right words to say when it comes to loss,” they said in a statement. “But in pain, we have found peace.”
8. Kendall Schmidt: A New Dad from Big Time Rush
Another Big Time Rush star, Kendall Schmidt, has entered fatherhood. In March 2024, he welcomed his first child, daughter Maple, with wife Mica von Turkovich. Schmidt and Turkovich met at a Big Time Rush concert in 2012 but didn’t start dating until later. The couple got engaged in 2022 and married a year later.
Schmidt, who had been part of the successful boy band and TV show, now embarks on this exciting new chapter of his life as a father.
Conclusion: From Nickelodeon Stars to Parents
These Nickelodeon stars have come a long way since their days on the small screen, and now, they’re raising families of their own. Their journeys into parenthood show that whether you’re a former teen star or a pop culture icon, life after the spotlight can be full of beautiful moments and new beginnings. We can’t wait to see how their families continue to grow!