Daniel Curtis Lee helps homeless Tylor Chase after the former Nickelodeon actor was found living on the streets in California, triggering concern and widespread discussion online.
Former child star Tylor Chase, best known for playing Martin Qwerly on Nickelodeon’s Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, has been checked into a hotel room following an emotional reunion with his former co-star Daniel Curtis Lee. The moment was captured in a video that quickly gained traction across social media platforms.
Chase, now 36, appeared on 33 episodes of the hit series between 2004 and 2007. Lee, 34, starred as Simon “Cookie” Nelson-Cook on 54 episodes and became one of the show’s most recognizable faces.
The reunion took place during Christmas week, with Lee stepping in to provide Chase with a safe, warm place to stay after a video of Chase living on the streets went viral.
In an Instagram reel shared on Monday, Daniel Curtis Lee explained how he tracked down Chase and worked to reconnect with him after learning about his situation online.
The video shows the two former child stars embracing in a long hug, visibly emotional, as Lee helped Chase settle into a hotel room. According to Lee, the goal was not publicity, but dignity and stability during a difficult moment.
Lee also revealed that he helped Chase reconnect with his father during their meeting. He said the phone call had a noticeable impact on Chase’s mood and outlook.
“Love is all we can really give people sometimes, and I am happy he was able to have that connection with his pops,” Lee said.
Lee said he also spoke with Chase’s mother, who expressed concerns about giving her son cash directly. She reportedly warned that providing money without structure could be dangerous.
Out of respect for her wishes, Lee chose not to give Chase cash and instead focused on offering shelter and emotional support.
Lee added that he is open to exploring longer-term solutions and asked if anyone familiar with setting up a trust tied to rehabilitation or recovery programs could offer guidance.
“I really believe we can get Tylor back on his feet, especially during the holiday season,” Lee said. “He is on my heart and on my mind often.”
The update came one day after authorities in Riverside, California addressed questions surrounding Chase’s living situation.
Riverside Police Department Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback told Daily Mail on Monday, December 22, that it is unclear how long Chase has been experiencing homelessness.
“We do not know how long he has been experiencing homelessness,” Railsback said.
He added that Chase has been cooperative during interactions with officers and that the department’s Public Safety Engagement Team checks in with him regularly.
Officers reportedly contact Chase at least once a week and continue offering resources, including temporary shelter options and support services.
As news spread, another former child actor who has publicly struggled with homelessness, Shaun Weiss of The Mighty Ducks films, stepped forward to help.
Weiss credited businessman Jake Harris for taking direct action in locating Chase and building trust with him.
“We were working on it, but Jake is the one doing all the hard work,” Weiss told Daily Mail.
Weiss said Harris spent hours searching the streets before finally finding Chase and making contact.
Attempts to place Chase in a hotel initially failed as Harris focused on establishing a rapport and gaining his trust.
“It can be tricky considering the state that Tylor is in,” Weiss said, describing the process as difficult.
Weiss added that Chase appeared open to receiving treatment and was receptive to the idea of entering detox.
In a separate Instagram post, Harris shared that he connected Chase with several former co-stars who expressed their concern and encouraged him to seek help.
“He is now in contact with the right people to get the help he needs,” Harris wrote. “He has a hotel room tonight to give him time to make the decision on his own.”
Daniel Curtis Lee later responded in the comment thread, thanking Harris for initiating the process.
“Thanks for getting the ball rolling for his treatment, Jake,” Lee wrote.
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