You have probably seen the name floating around online, especially if you have been following the recent Hollywood headlines. Maybe you watched the explosive Quiet on Set documentary and found yourself curious about the woman standing beside Drake Bell during those turbulent years. Or perhaps you just stumbled across her name and wondered, “Who exactly is Janet Von Schmeling?”
Here is the thing about celebrity ex-partners: they often get reduced to a footnote in someone else’s story. But Janet Von Schmeling is far more than just “Drake Bell’s ex-wife.” She is an actress, a producer, a martial artist, and a mother who has managed to navigate some of the messiest Hollywood scandals with a level of privacy that is almost impressive in today’s social media age.
In this article, we are going to pull back the curtain. We will look at who Janet Von Schmeling is beyond the tabloid headlines. You will learn about her acting career, her passion for martial arts, her relationship timeline with Drake Bell, and what her life looks like now as she moves forward. Whether you are a fan of true crime docs, celebrity biographies, or just curious about how people rebuild their lives after high-profile splits, you are in the right place.
Who Is Janet Von Schmeling? More Than Just a Headline
So, let us start with the basics. If you only know Janet Von Schmeling from the news articles surrounding her divorce, you are missing a huge part of the picture. She is a Florida native with a surprisingly diverse skill set.
Early Life, Education, and a Passion for the Mats
Born on June 1, 1994, in Orlando, Florida, Janet grew up in a family that valued discipline . You might be surprised to learn that before she ever stepped onto a film set, she was heavily involved in martial arts. Her father, Chief Master Von Schmeling, is a professional martial artist, which means this wasn’t just a hobby for her—it was a family legacy .
She trained at Victory Martial Arts in Winter Park, Florida, and she takes this seriously. In fact, she holds a high rank and has spoken about working toward her fourth-degree black belt . After taking a decade off, she returned to the mat in 2023, sharing a video of her training with a caption that read, “Rekindling the fire within as I return to the mat after a decade” . That kind of dedication tells you a lot about her character—she is resilient and focused.
But Janet is also incredibly smart. She attended Florida Atlantic University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration . That combination of psychology and criminal justice is fascinating, especially considering the legal battles she would later face in her personal life. It gives you a sense that she is someone who understands systems and people on a deep level.
Her Acting and Producing Career
Before her marriage became a tabloid fixture, Janet Von Schmeling was building a career in entertainment. She started acting in the mid-2010s, picking up roles in short films and TV series.
You might have seen her in How to Survive High School (2015), where she played a “Popular Girl,” or in Just Jenna (2016) as a troubled teen . One of her more notable roles was in the 2017 series Painting Autumn, where she played a character named Tawny . Interestingly, this project also featured Drake Bell, which hints at how their professional and personal lives eventually intertwined.
Beyond acting, she stepped behind the camera as a producer. She worked with Decibel Media Group, a marketing agency where she handled public relations and management . This is a crucial detail because it means she wasn’t just dating a celebrity—she was actively working in the industry, managing artists, and understanding the business side of fame. It also explains why she was so good at keeping things private for so long.
The Relationship Timeline: From Secret Marriage to Divorce
Now, let us address the elephant in the room. The reason most people are searching for Janet Von Schmeling is because of her relationship with Drake Bell. It is a complicated story, but it is important to look at the facts.
A Five-Year Secret
Janet and Drake Bell began dating in 2013 . For five years, they kept their relationship almost entirely out of the public eye. In 2018, they secretly got married . Yes, you read that right. They were married for nearly three years before the public even knew about it.
So, how did the secret get out? In 2021, photos surfaced of the couple walking through Disneyland in California. They were pushing a stroller and wearing wedding rings . Shortly after these photos went viral, Drake took to Twitter (now X) to confirm the news. He wrote in Spanish, “In response to various rumors that are incorrect, I have been married for almost 3 years, and we are blessed to be the parents of a wonderful son” .
That announcement came just days after Drake pleaded guilty to charges of attempted child endangerment and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles . It was a chaotic time, and suddenly, Janet and their newborn son were thrust into the spotlight under less-than-ideal circumstances.
The Separation and Divorce
The couple’s relationship reportedly began to fracture toward the end of 2022 . In January 2023, a source confirmed to People magazine that they had separated “a few months prior” . The separation was marked by turmoil. Reports surfaced about Drake seeking outpatient help for substance abuse issues, and there were concerning photos of him inhaling a balloon from a vape shop while their son was in the car .
Things came to a head in April 2023. One week after Drake Bell was reported missing and considered “endangered” by police in Daytona Beach, Florida (he was later found safe), Janet Von Schmeling filed for divorce .
She cited “irreconcilable differences” in the filing and requested primary legal and physical custody of their son, Jeremy. She also asked for spousal support . Interestingly, Drake later admitted on X that he found out she had filed for divorce through TMZ, adding a layer of public awkwardness to an already painful situation .
Life After Drake: Healing, Co-Parenting, and Moving On
If you have been following this story, you might be wondering how Janet is doing now. The answer seems to be: she is focusing on herself, her son, and her future.
Finding Peace in Florida
After the separation, Janet made it clear that Florida is where she wants to be. Shortly after the split, she posted on Instagram, “I’m HEALING and trying to find peace. This will be a process. My son is with me and will stay with me, We are in Florida with family and we are safe. We are finding our forever home here” .
She has remained in Florida, frequently posting about trips to Disney World and attending events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Tampa . She has also leaned heavily into her martial arts training, which seems to be a source of stability and empowerment for her.
Co-Parenting and New Beginnings
Despite the messy divorce, sources close to the couple suggest they are committed to co-parenting peacefully. A source told People that “Drake and Janet are committed to maintaining a peaceful co-parenting relationship and giving their son the best life possible” .
As for her personal life, it appears Janet has moved on romantically. In October 2023, she went “Instagram official” with a new boyfriend named Jim Perez . She seems to be in a much happier, more stable place now, focusing on her own identity rather than being defined by her ex-husband’s scandals.
What You Didn’t Know: The Josh Peck Feud
No story about Janet Von Schmeling would be complete without mentioning the unexpected moment she trended for something unrelated to Drake Bell. It involves Josh Peck, Drake’s former Drake & Josh co-star.
In 2022, Janet took to her Instagram story to voice some strong feelings about Josh. She wrote, “Anytime anybody asked about Josh I would say, ‘He is so nice. Oh, they are so great.’ I am done lying to everyone when Josh Peck is a total piece of s—t. I stay quiet until lies happen” .
This outburst was reportedly in response to a 2017 podcast where Josh made comments that Janet felt undermined Drake. It was a rare moment where she broke her usual code of privacy, showing that she is fiercely protective of her family. It also highlighted the tension that existed between the former co-stars, a topic that gained even more attention during the Quiet on Set documentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies and TV shows has Janet Von Schmeling been in?
Janet has several acting credits to her name. She appeared in Painting Autumn (2017) as Tawny, Just Jenna (2016) as a Troubled Teen, and How to Survive High School (2015) as a Popular Girl. She also appeared in the BuzzFeed Murder Mystery Stories series .
How old is Janet Von Schmeling?
She was born on June 1, 1994, which makes her 30 years old as of 2025 .
Does Janet Von Schmeling have a degree?
Yes, she is highly educated. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Florida Atlantic University .
When did Janet Von Schmeling and Drake Bell get divorced?
Janet filed for divorce in April 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. Their marriage had lasted nearly five years .
What is Janet Von Schmeling’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but most sources place her net worth around $1 million, accumulated through her acting, producing, and management work .
Is Janet Von Schmeling a martial artist?
Absolutely. She has trained since childhood and is working toward her fourth-degree black belt. Her father is a professional martial artist .
Does Janet Von Schmeling have a new partner?
Yes, she appears to be in a new relationship. In October 2023, she introduced her boyfriend, Jim Perez, on her Instagram .
Conclusion
So, who is Janet Von Schmeling? She is an actress who worked hard for her roles. She is a producer who understands the entertainment industry from the inside out. She is a martial artist with the discipline to return to her passion after a ten-year break. And yes, she was married to Drake Bell during one of the most tumultuous periods of his life.
