Joshua Michael Peck, also known as Josh Peck, is an American actor and comedian who shot to fame for his role on the Nickelodeon sitcom “Drake & Josh”. He was born on November 10, 1986, in New York City, and was raised primarily by his mother and maternal grandmother. Peck was the product of an extramarital affair and never met his father until his death in 2013. By the time he was eight years old, Peck decided to pursue a career in stand-up comedy.
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After performing comedy routines at Carolines on Broadway, Peck appeared on “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” at only ten years old. He was then offered a role on Nickelodeon’s “The Amanda Show”. Peck accepted the offer and moved to Los Angeles for a full-time acting career. After a brief stint on the series, he was cast as Josh Nichols in another sitcom called “Drake & Josh”.
Peck became well-known for his portrayal of the funny and organized teen Josh, playing the opposite of Drake Bell and Miranda Cosgrove’s characters. He continued the role for two more films, “Drake & Josh Go Hollywood” and “Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh”. Once the show concluded, Peck went on to star in several movies, including voice-acting Eddie in the “Ice Age” franchise. He also voiced Casey Jones for the animated series “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”.
As a former child actor, the audience has a soft spot for Josh Peck. It’s tough growing up in the limelight and there’s bound to be ups and downs. Among the many controversies surrounding the actor’s time on the silver screen are his relationships and sexuality. So, is Josh Peck gay? Here’s what the fans are dying to know.
VOTE: What is Josh Peck’s Sexuality?
Josh Peck’s Relationships
Shortly after his rise to fame, Josh Peck was rumored to be dating a woman named Kelly Louie. Unfortunately, not much is known about their relationship except that it only lasted for a year. The actor was also linked to his on-screen TV girlfriend, Allison Scagliotti, who played the role of Mindy in “Drake & Josh”. The couple reportedly dated for a year before parting ways.
Before Peck met his current wife, he was also paired up with actresses Famke Janssen and Hanna Beth Merjos between 2007 and 2009 respectively. However, the rumors were baseless and quickly discarded. It wasn’t until 2011 that the actor met the love of his life in the form of cinematographer, Page O’Brien.
In 2016, Peck proposed to his long-time girlfriend in front of the Eiffel Tower. The following year, the couple were married in Malibu, California. They welcomed their first son, Max, in 2018 and their second son, Shai, in 2022. The pair are currently still together.
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Josh Peck’s Struggle with Alcohol and Drugs
In early 2022, Peck released his memoir, “Happy People Are Annoying”, and opened up about his struggles with weight loss, alcohol, and drugs. The actor has been sober since 2008 and doesn’t shy away from the details of his public battles. In an interview with People Magazine, Peck spoke candidly about his past.
I spent most of my life dying to be typical but I grew up with a single mom, I was overweight and I was a musical theater kid who really had no social status. Comedy was my natural defense mechanism.”
Josh Peck to People, 2022
Although Peck was able to lose weight, he still had the “same head in a new body.” He soon turned to alcohol and drugs to numb his feelings. According to the actor, he thought he became more confident and attractive whenever he was partaking. He wanted to quiet the voices in his head that told him he wasn’t enough.
Fortunately, Peck joined a treatment program and went on to better himself for his family. In the same interview, the actor shared his thoughts on how it took a long time for him to love his 15-year-old self.
By walking through discomfort and by doing my best to break down the false identity I had for myself, I was able to get to the place that I was always seeking. I’m just trying to do good work that makes people happy.”
Josh Peck to People, 2022
Is Josh Peck Gay?
No, Josh Peck is not gay. Looking at his dating history, the actor has only been in relationships with women. He is married to his long-time girlfriend, Paige O’Brien and they have two children together. At this point, it’s highly likely that the Drake & Josh actor is straight.