Former child actor Tylor Chase, known for his role as Martin Qwerly on the Nickelodeon series was helped by co-star Daniel Curtis Lee.
If you grew up in the mid-2000s, you likely spent your afternoons watching Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide. The show, which aired from 2004 to 2007, was famous for giving us tips on how to survive the ups and downs of middle school. However, a recent story involving the cast shows us that sometimes, the most important survival tip is having a friend you can count on.
Fans were recently shocked when videos began circulating on TikTok showing Tylor Chase, the actor who played the fast-talking Martin Qwerly, living on the streets in Riverside, California,. In the footage, Chase appeared to be in distress and was clearly unhoused.
This news quickly went viral, sparking a huge outpouring of concern from people who grew up with the show. It also started a serious conversation online about the difficulties former child stars face, including mental health struggles and financial instability.
“Cookie” Comes to the Rescue
In a beautiful display of real-life friendship, Daniel Curtis Lee—who played the tech-wizard Simon “Cookie” Nelson-Cook”—didn’t hesitate to help. After seeing the videos of his former co-star, Lee traveled to find him.
Lee shared the journey with fans on social media to let everyone know that Chase was being looked after. According to the sources, Lee’s intervention included some very important steps:
- A Warm Meal: Lee took Chase out to a pizza restaurant.
- A Safe Place to Sleep: He checked Chase into a local hotel to make sure he was “safe from the rain”.
- A Mini-Reunion: Lee even arranged a FaceTime call with Devon Werkheiser, the star who played Ned Bigby himself.
Lee explained that Chase “trusted an old friend,” and the immediate goal was simply to ensure he had basic shelter during a period of bad weather. Lee has also stated that he plans to keep helping Chase get back on his feet for the long term.
Understanding the Struggle
While many fans wanted to help financially, the situation is complex. A GoFundMe page was briefly set up and raised over $1,200, but Chase’s mother eventually shut it down. She shared that her son is living with bipolar disorder and continues to face ongoing financial difficulties.
Before stepping away from the spotlight, Tylor Chase had several other roles, including appearances in Everybody Hates Chris, the film Good Time Max, and even the popular video game L.A. Noire. His story is a reminder that the transition from childhood fame to adulthood can be incredibly difficult.
Friendship is the Best Survival Guide
This story is a powerful reminder that the bonds we form in childhood can truly last a lifetime. While the show was about surviving school, these actors are showing us how to survive life with compassion and loyalty.
You can think of a lifelong friendship like a sturdy anchor in a stormy sea. When the waves of life get too high and you feel like you’re drifting away, having a friend who is willing to reach out and pull you back to safety makes all the difference. Tylor Chase may be going through a hard time, but he isn’t going through it alone.
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