Daniel Curtis Lee is supporting former Ned’s Declassified actor Tylor Chase during his homelessness in California, as friends and costars work together to help him find treatment and stability.
Former child stars often grow up in the public eye, but their personal battles usually unfold far from the spotlight. Recently, fans of Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide were shaken after learning that actor Tylor Chase, who played the quirky character Martin Qwerly, is currently experiencing homelessness in California. What followed, however, has been a powerful reminder of friendship, compassion, and the strength of community.
Actor Daniel Curtis Lee, best known for his role as Simon “Cookie” Nelson-Cook on the hit Nickelodeon series, has taken an active role in helping his former costar during this difficult chapter. Over the past few days, Lee has shared emotional updates on social media, offering transparency into Chase’s situation while also calling for patience, empathy, and structured support.
A Viral Moment That Sparked Concern
The situation first gained widespread attention after a video featuring Lee and Chase began circulating online. In the clip, the two are seen sharing a meal at a pizza restaurant before heading to a hotel room Lee arranged for Chase. The moment was quiet, raw, and deeply human — not staged, not sensationalized. Lee later explained that he stayed with Chase while coordinating with others to figure out a longer-term plan.
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Soon after, Lee addressed fans directly through Instagram, acknowledging the flood of messages asking whether he was still in contact with Chase. According to Lee, communication has been inconsistent, largely because Chase’s access to a phone is unreliable. “He’ll have a phone one day and then maybe not the next,” Lee shared, highlighting just how fragile Chase’s circumstances are.
Working Toward Stability, One Step at a Time
Rather than offering temporary fixes, Lee emphasized the importance of sustainable, long-term solutions. He revealed that he is exploring the possibility of creating a trust where people could safely donate funds to help Chase rebuild his life. At the same time, Lee has been researching rehabilitation and treatment programs that would best suit Chase’s needs, stressing that trust and consent are crucial in this process.
In a follow-up video posted on December 23, Lee shared a small but meaningful update: Chase was able to speak with his father over FaceTime. That conversation, according to Lee, was an emotional and hopeful moment. Several of Chase’s former costars have also stepped in behind the scenes, working together to help him secure placement in a treatment facility.
Shaun Weiss Joins the Effort
Among those offering support is Shaun Weiss, known for his role in The Mighty Ducks films. Weiss, who has openly shared his own journey through addiction and homelessness, said he has been actively trying to help Chase get into detox and long-term treatment. In an Instagram video, Weiss explained that a bed had been secured at a facility, but Chase ultimately backed out at the last moment.
Lee later clarified that while efforts were made to get Chase to a hospital, he was hesitant to get into a car that night. With rain pouring down and limited options available during the holiday season, Lee focused on ensuring Chase at least had basic accommodations and a safe place to sleep.
A Moment of Brotherhood
One of the most moving moments came when Lee hugged Chase inside the hotel room. “Love you, brother. I believe in you,” Lee said, offering words that resonated deeply with fans. The exchange wasn’t about fame or nostalgia — it was about loyalty, belief, and refusing to give up on someone during their lowest point.
Chase, visibly emotional, thanked Lee quietly. The interaction underscored a reality many people forget: recovery and stability are rarely linear. Setbacks happen, hesitation happens, and progress often comes in small, fragile steps.
Support From the ‘Ned’s Declassified’ Family
Chase’s former costars Devon Werkheiser and Lindsey Shaw previously addressed concerns about their friend during an episode of the Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide. They acknowledged the circulating videos and expressed their shared desire to help.
“All of us in the Ned’s community are figuring out what it looks like to see him,” Werkheiser said at the time. “How can we help? What can we do?” Their comments reflected a collective effort — not just from one individual, but from an entire group that once grew up together on set.
A Broader Conversation About Mental Health
This situation has also reignited conversations around mental health, addiction, and homelessness, especially among former child actors. Weiss himself has spoken openly about how public support played a major role in his recovery. His story, like Chase’s, is a reminder that visibility can be both a burden and a lifeline.
For fans watching from the outside, Lee has urged compassion over judgment. Recovery requires trust, patience, and the freedom to choose help — even when those choices are difficult or delayed.
Final Thoughts
Daniel Curtis Lee’s actions go beyond social media updates. They reflect a genuine commitment to standing by a friend when it would be easier to step away. As the holiday season unfolds, the hope remains that Chase will accept the help being offered and find a path toward stability and healing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, support is available through the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. For mental health support, the Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting STRENGTH to 741-741.
Sometimes, survival isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about knowing someone is willing to stay, listen, and keep trying.