Various embodiments relate to a drive circuit for an illumination device and an illumination device. The drive circuit includes a first drive module, wherein the first drive module is configured to convert an alternating current signal from a power supply to a constant current drive signal supplied to a light-emitting unit of the illumination device, and wherein the drive circuit further includes a second drive module, and wherein the second drive module is in series connection with the first drive module and the light-emitting unit and is configured to hold a voltage which is applied across the second drive module by the constant current drive signal, and the second drive module further includes a first switch means which is driven by the held voltage to turn on such that a current signal output from the second drive module is a direct current signal.