The father of former Nickelodeon child star Tylor Chase has publicly addressed the challenges his son faces, including homelessness. The revelation about Tylor’s living conditions surfaced in a TikTok video that gained significant attention after its original posting in September. Tylor, who is now 36, is best known for his role as Martin Qwerly in the Nickelodeon series Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide from 2004 to 2007.
In an interview with the Daily Mail on December 23, 2023, Joseph Mendez Jr., Tylor’s father, spoke candidly about the family’s struggles regarding his son’s mental health and substance use issues. Tylor’s legal name is Tylor Kurtis Mendez. “He’s a wonderful person when he’s Tylor,” Joseph shared. The family has sought various treatment options for Tylor over the past decade, focusing on both substance use and mental health support.
Joseph revealed that Tylor has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, conditions that necessitate ongoing medical treatment. “In 2021, we managed to get him into a rehab facility, and there was progress for a time,” Joseph explained. Unfortunately, Tylor later stopped his medication and resumed substance use. Recently, he returned to California to live with his mother, hoping to stabilize his situation. Despite this, Tylor has reportedly declined ongoing treatment and assistance.
The Riverside Police Department has also been involved, noting that Tylor has consistently refused offers of shelter, drug or alcohol treatment, and mental health services from their outreach division. Ryan Railsback, Public Information Officer for the Riverside Police Department, stated, “During all of our interactions, he has been cordial and cooperative with our officers.” While the department is unsure how long Tylor has been unhoused, its Public Safety Engagement Team reaches out to him at least once a week to provide resources, including temporary shelter options.
Joseph disclosed that he is in contact with former Disney actor Shaun Weiss, who has expressed a desire to help Tylor. Weiss has made a public appeal on social media, offering his support. Some of Tylor’s former co-stars from Ned’s Declassified, including Daniel Curtis Lee and Lindsey Shaw, have also voiced their willingness to assist. Daniel recently visited Tylor, treating him to a meal and checking him into a hotel room, sharing updates on social media.
Tylor himself spoke with the Daily Mail on December 22, stating he does not consider himself homeless. “It’s not really like that, I have friends and family. I stay around here locally. My mom is here. I have a lot of good people helping me,” he said. He acknowledged taking multiple prescribed medications, including Prozac and Adderall, but denied being diagnosed with any mental health conditions.
The situation surrounding Tylor Chase underscores the complexities of mental health and addiction, especially for individuals who once enjoyed fame. As his family and friends continue to seek ways to support him, the public remains engaged, hoping for a positive resolution to his circumstances.
