A former child star from the popular Nickelodeon series "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide" has been discovered living on the streets, a situation captured in a viral social media video that has sparked widespread concern among fans.
From TV Screens to the Streets: A Viral Discovery
The actor, Tylor Chase, who played Martin Qwerly on the hit show from 2004 to 2007, was recognized by a fan in Riverside, California. The encounter, initially posted to TikTok in September 2025, gained significant traction on the platform X in late December. In the brief, 20-second clip, a fan approaches a dishevelled Chase and asks if she had seen him on the Disney Channel. "Nickelodeon," Chase corrects her, before identifying his role on "Ned's Declassified."
The video's circulation led to an outpouring of sadness and worry from viewers who grew up watching the show. Reactions on social media ranged from heartbreak to criticism of the systems meant to support former child stars. "This actually breaks my heart," one user posted, while another stated, "Society failed him…his parents failed him. Sad to see."
Family Intervention and a Shut-Down Fundraiser
In response to the initial video, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to provide financial assistance to Chase, raising over $1,200. However, the effort was short-lived. The actor's mother intervened and shut down the fundraiser, explaining to AOL that monetary help was not the solution.
"Tylor needs medical attention not money. But he refuses it," she was reported as saying. She elaborated on the challenges, noting, "I have gotten him several phones, but he loses them within a day or two. He can’t manage money for his meds by himself." Her statements highlight a complex situation where financial aid, without proper support structures, could be ineffective or even detrimental.
Former Co-Stars React with Concern and Helplessness
The news deeply affected Chase's former colleagues from "Ned's Declassified." During an episode of the "Ned's Declassified Podcast Survival Guide," co-stars Daniel Curtis Lee, Devon Werkheiser, and Lindsey Shaw shared their emotional reactions. Lee described a mix of anger and powerlessness. "When I first saw it, I was angry, because I was like why put a camera in someone’s face when they are on hard times?" he said. "But then... I was upset with myself in that I feel powerless. I feel like there’s not much I can do."
Lindsey Shaw, who has spoken openly about her own past struggles with addiction, expressed a personal connection to the situation, saying she has "been somebody like that." Both Lee and Werkheiser emphasized that inviting Chase onto their podcast was not the appropriate step, with Werkheiser noting, "There’s a lot more that needs to happen before that."
Chase's acting career was relatively brief. Following his 33-episode run on "Ned's Declassified," he had minor roles in shows like "Everybody Hates Chris" and a few other projects. According to industry database IMDB, his last credited role was a voice part in the 2011 video game "L.A. Noire." His current circumstances stand as a stark contrast to his time in the spotlight, underscoring the difficult transitions many child actors face long after their fame has faded.
