A heartbreaking story about a beloved Nickelodeon child star has shocked fans worldwide, after Ned’s Declassified actor Tylor Chase was spotted homeless.
The actor, remembered for playing fast-talking Martin Qwerly in the mid-2000s sitcom, was filmed living rough on Los Angeles streets.
He is now 36 years old, and fans were devastated to see how drastically life has changed since his Nickelodeon days.
Viral Video Leaves Fans Stunned
The story began when influencer Lethal posted a video showing Chase dishevelled and seemingly unhoused in California.
The footage, which quickly racked up millions of views, showed him wandering and left fans shocked at his vulnerable condition.
For many, it was almost impossible to reconcile the bubbly Nickelodeon star with the man seen living in such hardship.
Viewers flooded the comments with messages of disbelief, heartbreak, and calls for someone to step in and help.
One fan wrote: “That’s Martin Qwerly? This hurts my heart. He deserved better than this. Someone please help him.”
The Fundraiser And “Makeover Day”
In response, Lethal started a GoFundMe campaign that raised $1,207 within days.
She filmed herself using the donations to buy Chase essentials like jackets, pants, shoes, and a sturdy backpack.
She also washed his hair on the street, lathering shampoo into his scalp and rinsing with bottled water.
“It’s a blessing for God to use me as a vessel to help bless someone,” she said in the clip.
The video shows Chase visibly emotional as he tries on his new clothes and thanks her repeatedly.
“Thank you so much, these are so pretty,” he told the camera with a small smile, before posing for photos.
Fans Divided Over How Funds Were Spent
Although the clip touched many, others questioned whether the money really made a long-term difference for Chase.
The original fundraiser promised safe housing, food, and resources to help him rebuild, but the updates showed mainly a makeover.
One supporter defended Lethal’s efforts, writing: “The update I was waiting for! He must feel the love of everyone.”
Another was more critical: “Clothes are nice, but housing and health are what he really needs. This feels temporary.”
Concerns From People Who Know Him
Someone claiming to know Chase personally reached out with a sobering message about his condition.
They wrote: “Yes, Tylor needs medical attention, not money. He refuses it. Money would not be a benefit to him.”
The message continued: “I’ve gotten him several phones. He loses them in a day or two. He can’t manage money or meds.”
This only heightened concern, as fans realised Chase’s struggles were far deeper than clothes or one-time financial donations.
Daniel Curtis Lee Steps In
Then came an unexpected update: Daniel Curtis Lee, who played Cookie on Ned’s Declassified, decided to find his old friend.
On his podcast, Daniel admitted the viral video shook him and promised listeners he would track down Chase himself.
With help from Lethal and Chase’s mum, Paula, Daniel located him outside a 7/11 in Riverside, Los Angeles.
He described the encounter in a TikTok video, admitting it was far more emotional than he expected.
“I thought it was going to be sunshine and roses,” Daniel said. “It brought up a lot of emotions.”
Despite everything, Chase instantly recognised Daniel, greeting him warmly as the two reminisced about their Nickelodeon memories.
“He was in and out of coherence,” Daniel explained. “He kept dazing in and out, but he remembered me and was happy.”
For Daniel, the reunion was bittersweet: heartwarming, but also a painful reminder of how much Chase is struggling.
The area they met in was filled with “shady” influences, Daniel said, with people giving Chase access to harmful things.
Daniel’s Plea To Fans
Since the viral video, countless strangers have been trying to find Chase in LA, filming him and posting TikToks.
Daniel strongly condemned this behaviour, asking fans to stop chasing his old friend with cameras.
“Please stop putting cameras in his face guys, please,” he said. “It’s not helping. He needs dignity, not more attention.”
He clarified he wasn’t angry at Lethal for the original video, praising her as “a saint” for raising awareness.
Daniel revealed that fan events like Nostalgia Con have offered to fly Chase out for conventions with the cast.
He also considered ways to include Chase in Nickelodeon-related projects or podcast appearances.
But he admitted bluntly: “I don’t believe he’s in the right state for appearances right now.”
Instead, Daniel promised to keep visiting Chase and supporting him however possible.
“All I could do was tell him that I love him and that it’s going to be alright.”
Chase has previously posted about bipolar disorder on social media, and some speculate his struggles worsened without consistent care.
Others believe substance abuse may play a role, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Either way, the consensus among fans is that Chase needs long-term professional help more than anything.
“He needs stability and proper care,” one supporter commented. “That’s the only way he can rebuild his life.”
Fans Still Holding Out Hope
Despite the challenges, the outpouring of support proves Chase still has people who care — from childhood fans to old co-stars.
His story has become a sobering reminder of how quickly life can unravel for even the most promising young talents.
But for Daniel and others, the message remains clear: Chase is loved, remembered, and not forgotten.
A Go Fund Me has been launched to help the former actor.
Featured image credit: Nickelodeon
