He Was Spotted On Streets Due To Bipolar Disorder, Offered Rent-free Home, He Is Our ‘Childhood Hero’

For many who grew up watching Nickelodeon in the early 2000s, Taylor Chase was a familiar and lively presence on television. Years after stepping away from the spotlight, the former child actor has returned to public attention under circumstances that few expected.

Chase, who played Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, has been reportedly found homeless and living on the streets of Riverside, California. Sightings of the 36-year-old have sparked widespread concern as people recognised him from his childhood role while noticing his difficult living conditions.

Former Nickelodeon Actor Taylor Chase Spotted Homeless In California

As per reports, people who met Chase said he was calm, polite and easy to talk to even though his

appearance showed how tough things had become. In several clips, he is seen chatting with people who recognise him.

The situation drew attention from longtime fans of the show, many of whom expressed shock and worry after realising the former actor was homeless. As concern continued to grow, help soon came from someone who shared a close professional bond with Chase during his early years on television.

Daniel Curtis Lee Reaches Out To Taylor Chase

Daniel Curtis Lee, who played Simon “Cookie” Nelson on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, stepped in after learning about Chase’s condition. In one of his Instagram videos, Lee is seen spending time with Chase where he takes him out to get a pizza and later arranges a hotel stay to ensure he has a safe place to sleep.

Lee also shared that they contacted Chase’s father together. “Love is all we can really give people some time,” Lee said while explaining that they were able to speak with Chase’s dad and reconnect him with family support. He added that they also got Devon Werkheiser, who played Ned on the show, on a FaceTime call.

“Taylor Chase and Cookie reunite with Ned on FaceTime. Well fed and safe from the rain. Hotel secured! One step closer to long term treatment. PS: Tylor wants to livestream video games. Who can help?” Lee wrote in the caption.

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Conversations Around Rehab And Financial Support

Lee later shared an update saying he had spoken to Chase again and that the actor felt encouraged by the public response. “I just got off a call” with Chase, Lee said and added that he was “really excited” to know people were inspired by him.

But Lee also clarified that Chase’s mother had advised against sending direct funds. Instead, the family and Lee began exploring the idea of a trust that would release money only after Chase successfully completes a rehabilitation programme.

“He’s on my heart often, on my mind often,” Lee said. Addressing the attention online, he added, “There’s been such a huge outpouring of support from the community.”

At the same time, Lee expressed discomfort with some of the content being shared. “I don’t like the way some of you guys are going about the videos and stuff like that,” he said. He stressed that genuine care mattered most, saying, “If it’s real love and genuine love and support, man, I really think we can get him back on his feet.”

In the caption, he wrote, “If anyone knows of a rehab or recovery facility willing to accept Tylor Chase on scholarship, please reach out. I’m also looking for guidance from a financial advisor on setting up a trust where funds are released only after successful completion of a program. We want to do this the right way—safe, structured, and supportive.”

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Shaun Weiss Offers Help

Support also came from The Mighty Ducks actor Shaun Weiss. In an Instagram video, Weiss said he had received “many messages” about Chase and had taken action.

“I reached out to some friends of mine and we have a bed for him at a detox and we have a place for him to go and get long-term treatment,” Weiss said. He also asked people who knew Chase’s location to reach out, adding, “Please DM me so we can get him some help in time for the holiday.”

In his caption, Weiss confirmed, “We have a bed for him at a detox We just gotta find him.”

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Taylor Chase’s Career On Screen

Taylor Chase played Martin Qwerly, a talkative and intelligent middle school student, throughout the three-season run of Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide from 2004 to 2007. His acting credits also include an appearance on Everybody Hates Chris and a role in the 2007 independent film Good Time Max which starred James Franco.