Tylor Chase, best known for his role as Martin Qwerly on the early 2000s Nickelodeon series “Ned’s Declassified School survival Guide,” is receiving support as he begins a path toward recovery. After months of reported homelessness and visible struggles with addiction and mental health in the Riverside, California area [[1]], the former child star is now preparing to enter a rehabilitation center with assistance from former co-stars and community members. This story highlights the challenges faced by former child actors and the critical need for accessible mental health and addiction services.
Tylor Chase, who rose to fame as Martin Qwerly on the early 2000s Nickelodeon series “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide,” is receiving support after a difficult period of homelessness and struggles with addiction and mental health. The former child star, now 36, has been located and is preparing to enter a rehabilitation center.
The effort to get Chase off the streets took three months, spurred by social media posts showing him in a vulnerable state in Riverside, California, near Los Angeles. Fans, former Nickelodeon colleagues, and community members rallied to help. “Ned’s Declassified” captivated a generation of young viewers, and news of Chase’s struggles quickly spread online.
According to TMZ, actor Shaun Weiss, himself a former child star from the Disney film “The Mighty Ducks” who has publicly battled addiction, played a key role in locating Chase. Weiss collaborated with Chase’s family, including his father, Joseph Mendez Jr., in the search. Ultimately, it was Jacob Harris, owner of a Riverside barbershop, who found Chase on December 25th and contacted an emergency shelter.
Chase was initially hospitalized for a 72-hour observation period and will now be admitted to a detox facility. “I reached out to some friends and we got him a bed at a detox center, as well as a place where he can get long-term treatment,” Weiss shared on social media.
A Helping Hand, and a Setback, From a Former Co-Star
Prior to Chase’s admission into care, Daniel Curtis Lee, who played “Cookie” on “Ned’s Declassified,” had attempted to assist him. After treating Chase to pizza, Lee booked a hotel room for him to spend Christmas safely. However, the hotel contacted Lee hours later to report that Chase had damaged the room before leaving.
According to The Daily Mail, California police had previously been contacted regarding Chase’s situation, but he repeatedly refused offers of assistance, including shelter and help with addiction and mental health issues. Public awareness of Chase’s struggles began in September when a California resident shared videos of him online while trying to offer aid. A GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $1,000, but Chase’s mother requested the funds be used to purchase clothing and food for him, as she felt he was unable to manage the money himself.
Chase’s father told The Daily Mail that his son has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. “For over ten years, the family has been trying to find solutions for his care, including his substance abuse and mental health,” said the real estate agent, who resides in Georgia. “He has to be willing to accept help.” Chase had previously attempted rehab in 2021 but returned to California to be closer to his mother, subsequently relapsing into substance abuse.
