Former Nickelodeon actor Tylor Chase found homeless in viral video, colleagues step in to assure support

Former Nickelodeon actor Tylor Chase found homeless in viral video, colleagues step in to assure support

A viral video circulating on social media has brought renewed attention to the life of former child actor Tylor Chase, showing him living homeless on the streets of Riverside, California. The footage, originally recorded and shared in September, has sparked an emotional response from fans and reopened conversations around privacy, mental health, and the long-term realities faced by former child stars.

Chase, now 36, is best known for playing Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, which aired on Nickelodeon from 2004 to 2007. In the video, the person filming approaches Chase and asks if he had appeared on the Disney Channel. Chase calmly corrects them, saying “Nickelodeon,” before identifying himself and referencing Ned’s Declassified. The fan then responds with recognition, saying, “Oh yeah, you’re that kid from the show.”

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According to entertainment site Decider, Ned’s Declassified followed three middle-school friends navigating everyday challenges with humor and heart. The series starred Devon Werkheiser as Ned Bigby and Daniel Curtis Lee as Simon “Cookie” Nelson-Cook. Chase’s character, Martin Qwerly, stood out despite limited dialogue, remembered by fans as quiet, observant, and unexpectedly insightful.

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As the video gained traction online, reactions were divided. Many viewers expressed shock and sympathy, while others criticized the act of filming and sharing Chase’s current circumstances without his consent. The clip quickly reignited broader discussions about how society treats former child actors once the spotlight fades, and how mental health struggles are often made into viral content rather than handled with care.

In the wake of the video’s spread, a GoFundMe campaign was reportedly launched to support Chase, raising more than $1,200 in a short period. However, the fundraiser was later shut down by Chase’s mother, reportedly out of concern for her son’s privacy and well-being. Former colleagues and people familiar with the show have since assured fans that there are efforts underway to offer support, though specific details have not been made public.

The situation has become a sobering reminder that early fame does not guarantee lifelong stability. For many, Chase’s story underscores the urgent need for better mental health support systems, stronger protections for child performers, and a more compassionate public response when personal struggles play out in the digital age.