Former Nickelodeon child actor Tylor Chase, best known for his role as Martin Qwerly on the early-2000s hit Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, has recently been spotted living on the streets of Riverside, California, in a heartbreaking turn that has reignited discussions about mental health, addiction, and the challenges faced by former child performers. The 36-year-old’s plight, captured in multiple viral videos and social media posts, has spawned widespread concern among fans, former co-stars, and mental health advocates alike.
Video footage originally filmed in September 2025 and resurfacing in December 2025 shows Chase in a visibly disheveled state, with torn clothing and signs of distress, prompting onlookers to ask him about his past. When questioned in one clip, Chase confirmed his Nickelodeon tenure, clarifying that he starred on Ned’s Declassified, not Disney Channel before the conversation and filming ended.
Chase’s career began promisingly in the mid-2000s. Born in Arizona on September 6, 1989, he moved to the Los Angeles area with his family as a teen and landed recurring roles on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide (2004–2007) and guest appearances on other television projects. He also pursued creative work later in life, self-publishing fantasy novels and poetry under the pen name “Shrine Tylor,” reflecting his personal struggles.
Despite an early taste of fame and some sporadic creative pursuits, Chase’s life took a more difficult trajectory as he entered adulthood. According to his father, Joseph Mendez Jr., Chase has dealt with significant mental health challenges, including diagnoses of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, alongside substance use issues, for more than a decade. The family sought treatment options, including a stint in rehab around 2021, but Chase eventually discontinued medication and relapsed, leading to further decline.
Local police in Riverside have confirmed ongoing contact with Chase through the city’s outreach teams, offering help such as temporary shelter, medical support, and substance-abuse treatment, offers that he has repeatedly declined. Police say he is not currently wanted for any crimes, despite a series of minor legal encounters, such as shoplifting and substance-related cases registered in court records since 2023.
Attempts to raise funds for Chase also made headlines. After one viral video circulated online, well-wishers launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $1,200, but the fundraiser was later shut down at the request of Chase’s mother, who stated that medical care, not money, was what her son truly needs, particularly given his ongoing struggles with managing finances and health.
Chase’s situation has drawn heartfelt reactions from his former Ned’s Declassified co-stars. Devon Werkheiser, who played Ned, described the situation as “heartbreaking,” highlighting the complexity of addiction and mental illness and the uphill battle of recovery when help is refused. He expressed hope that increased public attention might eventually lead to meaningful support for Chase.
Similarly, Daniel Curtis Lee and Lindsey Shaw, other alumni of the show, have tried to assist. Lee was recently seen with Chase in Riverside, sharing a meal and helping him check into a motel to weather cold and rainy conditions, a small but significant gesture of support.
Adding to the support network, Shaun Weiss, a former child star himself who has overcome his own battles with addiction and homelessness, publicly offered to help Chase secure a bed in a detox facility and long-term treatment program. Weiss’s outreach emphasizes the importance of solidarity and recovery for those struggling in similar circumstances.
Despite the support from friends, family, and former co-stars, Chase’s future remains uncertain. He has indicated a desire to reconnect with his father in Georgia and explore housing assistance programs, but insists he is not “really active homeless,” reflecting the complicated and personal nature of his current circumstances.
Chase’s story has sparked broader conversations about how the entertainment industry and society at large support (or fail to support) performers once they leave the spotlight. Advocates emphasize that mental health care and long-term sustained support are crucial, not just for celebrities, but for anyone navigating life after early public success. Whether Chase ultimately chooses help remains to be seen, but his experience has undeniably brought attention to the vulnerabilities many face behind the scenes of fame.
