Tylor Chase, the former Nickelodeon star best known for his role as Martin Qwerly on "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide," remains on the streets despite efforts from his former co-star, Daniel Curtis Lee, to provide assistance. The situation has sparked widespread concern and debate about the challenges faced by former child actors and the complexities of addressing homelessness, mental health, and addiction.
Chase, 36, was spotted in Riverside, California, in videos that went viral in September 2025, showing him in a disheveled state. These clips prompted his former "Ned's Declassified" co-stars, Devon Werkheiser, Daniel Curtis Lee, and Lindsey Shaw, to discuss his situation on their podcast and explore ways to help. Lee, in particular, has been actively involved in trying to support Chase.
In December 2025, Lee shared updates on Instagram about his efforts to help Chase, including providing him with a meal and a hotel room for the holidays. Lee expressed his hope to establish a trust to collect funds for Chase's long-term care and to find suitable rehabilitation programs. However, subsequent reports indicate that the hotel room was left in disarray, leading to a mix of reactions online, with some questioning the effectiveness of temporary solutions without comprehensive treatment.
Chase's father, Joseph Mendez Jr., has spoken about his son's struggles with mental health and substance abuse, revealing that Chase has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder since 2015. Mendez Jr. stated that the family has been seeking treatment options for Tylor for over a decade, but Chase has repeatedly refused help and discontinued medication. He also mentioned that Chase had been to rehab in Georgia around 2021 but did not stay.
Adding to the complexity, Chase himself has denied having any mental health issues, while acknowledging that he takes several medications, including Prozac, Adderall, Sudafed, Wellbutrin, and Zoloft. In an interview, he reportedly asked for "a joint or a bong," and stated that he "likes to vape".
The Riverside Police Department has confirmed that their outreach division has consistently offered Chase mental health services, addiction treatment, and temporary shelter, all of which he has declined. Despite the challenges, Lee has emphasized the importance of stability, housing, and long-term medical care for Chase. He has also cautioned against "quick fixes" and expressed frustration with those who filmed and shared videos of Chase without offering assistance.
The situation has ignited a broader discussion about the difficulties faced by former child actors, the importance of sustained support for those struggling with mental health and addiction, and the ethics of filming and sharing videos of vulnerable individuals. While the immediate rescue mission may have faltered, the outpouring of concern and support for Tylor Chase highlights the need for continued efforts to address the underlying issues contributing to his homelessness and to provide long-term solutions for those facing similar challenges.
