Former Nickelodeon Star Tylor Chase Finds Hope as Costars Intervene Following Heartbreaking Homelessness Video
LOS ANGELES — The holiday season has brought a flicker of hope to a devastating situation as the entertainment community rallies behind former Nickelodeon actor Tylor Chase. Known to millions as the quirky and talkative Martin Qwerly on the mid-2000s hit Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, Chase’s life took a tragic turn that was recently laid bare in a viral video showing him living on the streets of Riverside, California.
However, during the week of Christmas 2025, a powerful intervention by former costars and fellow industry peers has begun to chart a new path for the 36-year-old.
A Viral Cry for Help
The public’s attention was first drawn to Chase’s plight when a video began circulating on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). In the footage, a disheveled Chase is seen on a sidewalk, confirming his identity to a passerby who recognized him from his Nickelodeon days. The contrast between the energetic teenager on screen and the man struggling on the street sparked immediate outrage and concern across social media.
While the video garnered millions of views, it also drew criticism from those who argued that someone experiencing a mental health crisis should not be treated as “content.” Among those watching with a heavy heart were the people who knew him best during his rise to fame.
“Cookie” Steps In: The Emotional Reunion
Daniel Curtis Lee, who played Simon “Cookie” Nelson-Cook on Ned’s Declassified, did more than just post a message of support. Taking direct action, Lee tracked Chase down in Southern California this week.
In an emotional update shared on Instagram, Lee documented the moment they reunited. The two shared a long embrace, a poignant reminder of a bond formed decades ago on a soundstage. Lee’s mission was simple but urgent: get Chase off the street and into a safe, warm environment.
“Love is all we can really give people sometimes, and I’m happy that he was able to have that connection,” Lee shared in a video update.
Lee treated Chase to a meal—a simple pizza that seemed to provide a rare moment of normalcy—and eventually checked him into a hotel room to escape the winter rain. During their time together, they even FaceTimed the show’s lead, Devon Werkheiser (Ned Bigby), allowing the old friends to reconnect for the first time in years.
A Complex Road to Recovery
While the hotel stay provides immediate relief, the situation remains incredibly delicate. Chase’s family, specifically his mother, Paula, has been vocal about the complexities of his condition. She revealed that Tylor struggles with bipolar disorder and severe addiction, noting that direct financial assistance can often be “dangerous” rather than helpful.
“Tylor needs medical attention, not money,” his mother stated, explaining why she requested the removal of a GoFundMe that had raised over $1,200. “He can’t manage money for his meds by himself.”
This sentiment was echoed by Riverside authorities, who confirmed that their Public Safety Engagement Team interacts with Chase weekly. While they have consistently offered shelter and psychiatric resources, Chase has frequently exercised his right to refuse them—a common and heartbreaking hurdle in cases of chronic homelessness and mental illness.
The “Mighty” Support System
The efforts to help Chase have expanded beyond his Ned’s Declassified family. Shaun Weiss, the former child star of The Mighty Ducks who has famously documented his own harrowing journey through addiction and homelessness to recovery, has joined the cause.
Weiss and his team have reportedly secured a bed for Chase at a detox facility and are offering long-term treatment options. The goal is to move beyond temporary hotel stays and toward a structured environment where Chase can receive the specialized psychiatric care his family says he desperately needs.
Looking Forward: A Community of Care
As of late December 2024, Daniel Curtis Lee is exploring the creation of a trust for Chase—a financial safeguard that would only release funds contingent upon him completing a rehabilitation program.
The story of Tylor Chase has reignited a national conversation about the “dark side” of child stardom and the lack of long-term support systems for young actors once the cameras stop rolling. However, for those who grew up watching Martin Qwerly offer comedic relief, the current focus is purely on the man behind the character.
As Lee told his followers, the mission isn’t over: “He’s often on my mind and in my heart… I really believe we can get Tylor back on his feet.”