When the video first appeared online, many viewers assumed it was just another fleeting TikTok moment—until familiar eyes and a recognizable face made people stop scrolling.
Within hours, questions began circulating: how had a former Nickelodeon star ended up in such a troubling situation, and what wasn’t being captured in those few unsettling seconds?
Tylor Chase, best known for portraying Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified Survival Guide, recently sparked global concern after a viral TikTok showed him in Los Angeles looking visibly disoriented.
Now 36, Chase also appeared on shows like Everybody Hates Chris, but he largely stepped away from mainstream acting around 2011,
focusing instead on smaller creative projects including a YouTube channel and spoken-word poetry performances. Through these outlets, he has openly discussed his struggles with mental health.
For viewers who grew up in the early 2000s, the sight of Chase out on the streets was shocking. The clip, captioned, “This is so sad. I ran into the guy who used to play on Nickelodeon—I remember watching him as a kid. If anyone wants to donate, there’s a GoFundMe online,” quickly drew attention and concern from fans worldwide.
However, Chase’s mother has emphasized that well-meaning donations are not the solution. She explained in messages shared online: “Money would not help him. I’ve bought him multiple phones, and he loses them within days. He can’t manage money or his medications on his own.”
Earlier this year, she closed a GoFundMe campaign created for him, noting that while she provides housing and support, her son often refuses help due to ongoing substance use and mental health challenges. “He’s a sweet, good-hearted person—but what he really needs is medical treatment,” she said.
Chase himself shared his perspective with the Daily Mail, stressing that he does not consider himself homeless. “It’s not really like that,” he said.
“I have family and friends. I stay around here locally. My mom is here. There are a lot of good people helping me… There’s grace from God’s family, people helping people. That part of it is actually really beautiful.”
Looking ahead, Chase hopes to relocate to Georgia to reunite with his father and participate in a housing assistance program. “I want to go see my dad soon. There’s a setup there for me—hopefully a room—and most likely a housing assistance program,” he explained.
Unfortunately, Chase is not the only former child star to face struggles after leaving the spotlight. High-profile figures such as Amanda Bynes and Drake Bell have also publicly contended with mental health and substance-related challenges.
Conclusion
Tylor Chase’s story is a stark reminder that fame does not shield individuals from mental illness, addiction, or instability. While public concern is heartfelt, viral sympathy and financial donations may not address the root issues.
What Chase—and many others—need is accessible mental health care, consistent long-term support, and compassion that goes beyond social media attention. His experience underscores the importance of looking past the screen, understanding the complexities behind the headlines, and advocating for systems that genuinely help those in need.