Former Child Actor Tylor Chase Found Homeless in 2025
In September 2025, viral videos on TikTok showed Tylor Chase, best known for playing Martin Qwerly on Nickelodeon's Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (2004–2007), living on the streets of Riverside, California. The footage, shared by creators RiceCrackersPOV, Lethallalli, and Lee Livee, depicted the former child actor in worn-out clothes and a dishevelled state, sparking widespread concern and a public effort to get him help.
Who Is Tylor Chase?
Tylor Chase was born on 6 September 1989 in Chandler, Arizona, to Paula Moisio and Joseph Mendez Jr. His earliest acting role was as an extra on Everybody Hates Chris (2005). He later appeared in Confessions of a Late Bloomer (2006), Good Time Max (2007), and the video game L.A. Noire (2011). After acting, he started two YouTube channels in 2012 and 2014, where he read his self-published fantasy novels The Cat's Eyes and So Be It (under the pen name Shrine Tylor) and original poetry. In a 2014 reading, he recited a poem titled Bipolar, with lines like "I'm chained down to my bedroom by the gravity of bipolar," hinting at his struggles.
Timeline of Events: From Viral Videos to Ongoing Homelessness
September 2025: Viral Videos Emerge
The initial TikTok videos prompted Citlalli Wilson (Lethallalli) to create a GoFundMe campaign for Chase, aiming to provide safe housing, food, and resources. However, Chase's mother contacted Wilson, stating, "Tyler 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." The campaign, which had raised $1,207, was subsequently deleted. In follow-up videos, Wilson and Lee Livee washed Chase's hair and gave him clothes and shoes.
According to the Daily Mail, Riverside County court records list 12 criminal cases against Chase from August 2023 to December 2025, mostly for shoplifting and being under the influence. However, the Riverside Police Department told the Daily Mail he was not wanted for any crimes. Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback said, "During all of our interactions, he has been cordial and cooperative with our officers." Police contacted him at least once a week and consistently offered temporary shelter, which he declined.
December 2025: Father Reveals Medical Condition
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Chase's father, Joseph Mendez Jr., revealed that the former actor had struggled with substance addiction, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia for over a decade. "He's a wonderful person when he's Tylor. For over a decade, the family has sought treatment options for Tylor, including support for substance use as well as mental health care," Mendez said. He added, "More recently, Tylor returned to California to be with his mother in hopes of stabilising his situation; however, despite continued support, he has refused ongoing treatment and assistance." Chase had previously received treatment in Georgia but later discontinued medication and resumed substance use.
December 2025: Former Co-Stars Step In
Chase's Ned's Declassified co-stars Devon Werkheiser and Daniel Curtis Lee, along with The Mighty Ducks actor Shaun Weiss, attempted to help. Weiss tried to secure Chase a bed at the Eleven 11 Recovery centre in San Clemente, California, but Chase refused. Before a heavy rainstorm, Daniel Curtis Lee bought Chase a motel room. On Christmas Day, Lee shared an unfortunate update: the motel management reported that Chase had destroyed the room within hours of checking in.
December 2025: Christmas Psychiatric Hold
On 26 December 2025, TMZ reported that Chase was receiving medical care in a Southern California hospital. Jacob Harris, owner of Shipwreck Barbershop in Riverside, played a key role. He visited Chase for three hours on Christmas Day, describing it as a tipping point. "I had to do something. I finally found a crisis centre that would come out and do an on-site evaluation," Harris said. The crisis centre placed Chase on a 72-hour psychiatric hold for treatment before transferring him to a rehab facility.
January 2026: Return to Family Home
In January 2026, the New York Post reported that Chase was living with his mother, sleeping on her porch behind a plywood barrier. Despite the brief hospitalisation, he remained largely unhoused as of early 2026.
Current Status and Ongoing Struggles
As of July 2026, Tylor Chase continues to face homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction. His father confirmed that Chase has repeatedly declined long-term treatment, housing, and social services offered by family, police, and former co-stars. The Riverside Police Department continues to engage with him weekly, but he remains on the streets.
This story highlights the tragic intersection of mental illness, addiction, and homelessness, even for those who once had fame and support.
