Season 12 of DEGRASSI has just wrapped, delivering more drama and memorable moments than many fans anticipated. Luke Bilyk, the actor behind Drew Torres, opens up about his time on the show, the craft of acting, and what the experience has meant for his career. This extended talk offers a closer look at how a long‑running Canadian series stays fresh in the minds of viewers across North America and how the cast grows alongside the stories they tell.
How did you first become interested in acting?
Luke’s path began in childhood, sparked by a family that encouraged creativity. His mother involved him and his sisters in small productions, and what started as curious curiosity quickly blossomed into a genuine love for performance. He found joy in telling stories, mastering stage presence, and learning to listen deeply to fellow actors. Over the years, that early spark evolved into training, auditions, and opportunities that gradually shaped him into the actor he is today.
What was your favourite episode to film in season 12?
Among the standout moments, the prom sequences and the election storyline stood out for Luke. The prom scenes offered a chance to celebrate character growth, friendship, and a touch of teenage magic, while the election arc pushed the cast to explore leadership, responsibility, and the consequences of choices. The energy on set for both arcs was electric, with the collaboration among cast and crew helping those scenes come alive in a big way.
Your character has been through a lot but is there anything you’d like to see him experience that he hasn’t yet?
Early on, there was a playful notion that Drew might try something unexpected in the political arena, and the idea of him running for president became an intriguing curiosity. By the time the storyline progressed, Drew stepped into a leadership role, and the arc opened doors to new challenges and ethical questions. Luke notes that seeing Drew evolve into a figure of authority provided a fresh lens on the character, blending ambition with the realities of public life and personal responsibility.
DEGRASSI has been around for 34 years. Why do you think it’s lasted as long as it has?
According to Luke, what keeps the show enduring is a blend of real teen issues and an authentic ensemble. DEGRASSI doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—from friendships and family pressures to moments that test trust and resilience. The actors share a genuine connection that fans feel when they meet them, and the stories reflect genuine teenage experiences. That sincerity, paired with a Canadian setting that still resonates across borders, keeps audiences coming back year after year, season after season.
If you could play any other character in the show, who would it be?
Luke jokes about the idea of stepping into another character’s shoes, then gives it serious thought. He’d pick Eli, a character Munro Chambers has built with nuance and charisma. The bond between the two actors on set makes the possibility even more appealing, as Eli’s dynamics offer a different energetic rhythm and a chance to explore new facets of the world DEGRASSI portrays.
Can you give any hints about what’s happening in the next season of DEGRASSI?
There are fresh faces joining the crew and a renewed blend between the old and the new. The dynamic is expected to surprise audiences, as smaller groupings and new alliances emerge. The team has only begun table reads with a handful of episodes, but the material hints at strong storytelling, emotional depth, and a few unexpected turns that will excite longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Thanks, Luke!
Fans can still catch Luke on DEGRASSI: THE NEXT GENERATION, with Season 11 and 12 available on iTunes for streaming and purchase, continuing the conversation around Drew and the ensemble as the series progresses.