In a gut-punching reminder of the dark side of child stardom, former Nickelodeon actor Tylor Chase—best known as the quirky Martin Qwerly on “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”—has been spotted living homeless in Riverside, California, in a series of viral videos that have exploded across social media. The 36-year-old, who charmed millennials as the hyper-talkative genius on the hit 2000s show, appears disheveled and nearly unrecognizable in the clips, sparking an outpouring of shock, sadness, and frustration from fans who grew up watching him.
The latest footage, circulating widely on TikTok and X in late December 2025, shows Chase in ripped jeans and a gray T-shirt, struggling on the streets. This isn’t the first time his plight has gone viral: Back in September 2025, influencer LetHallAlli (TikTok @lethallalli) encountered him in Los Angeles, approached him on camera, and asked if he was from Disney Channel. Chase calmly corrected her: “Nickelodeon… Ned’s Declassified.” When the fan realized who he was, saying, “Oh yeah, you’re that kid on it,” Chase confirmed his full name. The video racked up millions of views, prompting a GoFundMe that raised over $1,200 before being abruptly shut down.
Chase’s mother stepped in to pause the fundraiser, explaining in a message that went public: “Tylor needs medical attention not money. But he refuses it. I appreciate your effort. But money would not be a benefit to him. 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 words hinted at deeper issues, including possible mental health struggles—Chase himself shared a 2014 YouTube poem titled “Bipolar,” opening up about his experiences, though details remain private.
Born September 6, 1989, in Arizona, Chase broke into acting as a teen, landing the recurring role of Martin on “Ned’s Declassified” from 2004 to 2007. The show, a staple of Nickelodeon nostalgia about middle school chaos, featured him alongside stars Devon Werkheiser (Ned), Lindsey Shaw (Moze), and Daniel Curtis Lee (Cookie). After the series ended, Chase had small parts in “Everybody Hates Chris,” James Franco’s “Good Time Max” (2007), and voiced a character in the video game “L.A. Noire” (2011). He largely stepped away from the spotlight, occasionally posting poetry and acting clips on YouTube until 2021.
The September viral video reached his old co-stars, who addressed it emotionally on their “Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide” episode released September 24, 2025. Daniel Curtis Lee expressed initial anger at the filming: “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? But then… I was upset with myself in that I feel powerless.” Lindsey Shaw, who has been candid about her own past battles with drug addiction, related deeply: “I’ve been somebody like that.” The trio vowed to help, with Lee later driving to Riverside to find Chase personally—searching for an hour before locating him at a 7-Eleven patio. Lee shared the “crushing” encounter on TikTok, urging fans: “Please stop putting these cameras in his face guys, please.” He offered work opportunities, like conventions, but noted Chase wasn’t ready.
Devon Werkheiser emphasized priorities: “That’s not at all what needs to happen here. There’s a lot more that needs to happen before that.” The cast ruled out a podcast appearance, focusing instead on getting Chase “on a better path.”
Fans’ reactions have been raw and divided. Posts flooded social media: “This actually breaks my heart,” “This made me so sad,” “The Hollywood industry is sick.” Many questioned the ethics of filming: “Why would you record him unless it’s to try and get him help? Shame on you,” “He’s still human & doesn’t deserve to have his most difficult moments shared like this.” Others tied it to broader concerns about child actors: “What does Nickelodeon do to these kids?” Locals in Riverside report sightings continuing through late 2025, suggesting Chase remains on the streets despite the attention.
This story hits hard amid ongoing scrutiny of Nickelodeon’s past, with former child stars facing mental health crises, addiction, and financial instability long after fame fades. Chase’s minimal residuals from a supporting role likely offer little support, and without strong industry safeguards, many fade into obscurity—or worse.
Co-stars like Lee plan more visits, telling Chase: “I love him and that it’s going to be alright.” But real help—medical intervention, stable housing—remains elusive as Chase reportedly refuses treatment. His mother’s plea underscores the complexity: Money isn’t the fix; sustained care is.
As 2025 wraps, Chase’s viral moments serve as a stark wake-up call about the hidden costs of early fame. Fans cling to nostalgia, rewatching episodes where Martin brought laughs, hoping the real-life version finds his way back. For now, the streets of Riverside tell a far different survival guide.
If you’re struggling with mental health, addiction, or homelessness, resources are available. Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-6264, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services at 1-800-662-4357, or the National Homelessness Hotline at 988.
