Shaun Weiss, the beloved actor from Disney’s Mighty Ducks franchise, reached out with an offer of help to fellow former child star Tylor Chase. The 36-year-old Nickelodeon alum, best known for his quirky role on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, was thrust back into the spotlight—not for a comeback role, but for a heartbreaking viral video showing him disheveled and apparently homeless on the streets of Riverside, California. Weiss, 47, who has battled his own demons of addiction and homelessness, didn’t hesitate. In an emotional Instagram video, he extended a hand: a bed at detox, long-term treatment, and the kind of understanding that only comes from walking the same dark path. As fans rally and co-stars speak out, this story isn’t just about two forgotten faces from our childhood screens—it’s a raw reminder of the hidden struggles behind the glamour, the fragility of fame, and the power of one survivor lifting another from the brink. What led Chase to this point? How did Weiss turn his pain into purpose? And could this be the turning point that saves a life? The answers are as inspiring as they are sobering.

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The Viral Video That Shook Fans: Tylor Chase’s Heartbreaking Reality

It started with a simple TikTok video, captured by a passerby in Riverside, California, just days before Christmas 2025. In the grainy footage, a man with unkempt hair and a weary expression sits on the sidewalk, surrounded by scattered belongings. “Is that Tylor Chase from Ned’s Declassified?” the caption read, sparking a frenzy of shares and speculation. Within hours, the clip exploded across social media platforms, amassing millions of views. Fans, many of whom grew up watching Chase’s comedic antics as Martin Qwerly—the awkward, braces-wearing sidekick on the hit Nickelodeon show—were stunned. “He looks so lost,” one commenter wrote. “How did this happen to our childhood hero?”

Chase, born on September 6, 1989, in Arizona, confirmed his identity in follow-up clips filmed by concerned fans. Appearing disheveled in oversized clothes, he spoke softly about his struggles, admitting to homelessness but maintaining a glimmer of optimism. “I’m okay,” he reportedly said in one video, though his eyes told a different story. Police in Riverside issued a welfare check, confirming Chase was unhoused but not in immediate danger. The videos painted a picture of a man fallen far from the bright lights of Hollywood: sleeping rough, relying on strangers’ kindness, and grappling with the isolation that often accompanies such a fall.

The public reaction was swift and emotional. On Reddit, threads in r/MadeMeSmile and r/television dissected the footage, with users sharing memories of Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, which aired from 2004 to 2007 and followed the misadventures of middle schoolers Ned Bigby, Jennifer “Moze” Mosely, and Simon “Cookie” Nelson-Cook. Chase’s character, Martin, was a fan favorite for his goofy charm and relatable awkwardness. “He was the kid we all identified with,” one redditor posted. “Seeing him like this breaks my heart.”

Chase’s mother, speaking to media outlets like the Daily Mail, revealed more layers to the story. She explained that the family had been unaware of his eviction from a group home, where he had been residing due to ongoing challenges. Fundraisers popped up online, including a GoFundMe that raised thousands before being halted at her request. “We appreciate the concern, but Tylor needs professional help, not just money,” she said, emphasizing privacy and family efforts to support him. Reports suggest Chase has faced mental health issues and possible substance abuse, though details remain private. His last known acting credit was a small role in 2012, after which he vanished from the public eye—a common fate for child stars transitioning to adulthood.

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Shaun Weiss: From Rock Bottom to Redemption

Enter Shaun Weiss, whose own journey from stardom to struggle mirrors Chase’s in haunting ways. Best remembered as Greg “Goldie” Goldberg, the wisecracking goalie in the 1992 Disney classic The Mighty Ducks and its sequels, Weiss was a child star icon of the ’90s. His portrayal of the tough-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside kid resonated with audiences, leading to roles in Heavyweights (1995) and TV shows like Freaks and Geeks. At his peak, Weiss was a fixture in family entertainment, embodying the underdog spirit that made him beloved.

But fame’s dark side caught up. In the 2010s, Weiss spiraled into methamphetamine addiction, leading to a series of high-profile arrests. His 2020 mugshot—gaunt, disheveled, and unrecognizable—went viral, symbolizing the perils of child stardom. He faced charges for public intoxication, burglary while under the influence, and possession, hitting rock bottom with periods of homelessness in California. “I was living on the streets, stealing to survive,” Weiss later shared in interviews. His lowest point came in January 2020, when he was arrested in Marysville, California, for burglary and being under the influence—images that shocked fans who remembered the chubby-cheeked kid from the Ducks.

Weiss’s turnaround began with intervention from friends and family. Entering rehab multiple times, he finally achieved sobriety in 2021, marking over three years clean by 2025. He’s rebuilt his life through stand-up comedy, where he jokes about his mugshot (“I looked like a zombie extra”), and advocacy for recovery. In a 2023 People magazine interview, he said, “Addiction doesn’t discriminate—it can happen to anyone. But recovery is possible with help.” Weiss has worked with organizations like the Partnership to End Addiction, sharing his story to inspire others.

When the videos of Chase surfaced, Weiss didn’t hesitate. On December 23, 2025, he posted an Instagram video from his home, addressing Chase directly: “Hey Tylor, it’s Shaun Weiss from The Mighty Ducks. I’ve been where you are—addicted, homeless, lost. But there’s hope. I’ve reached out to friends, and we have a bed for you at detox, plus long-term treatment. You’re not alone, brother. Let’s get you back on your feet.” The video, viewed over a million times, struck a chord, with fans praising Weiss’s empathy. “From survivor to savior,” one comment read. Weiss’s offer includes connections to sober living programs and therapy, drawing from his own path to stability.

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Co-Stars Rally: A Wave of Support from Hollywood’s Past

Weiss isn’t alone in his outreach. Chase’s former Ned’s Declassified co-stars have spoken out, adding to the chorus of concern. Devon Werkheiser, who played Ned Bigby, addressed the situation in a YouTube video on December 23, 2025. “Seeing Tylor like this hurts,” Werkheiser said. “We were kids together, laughing on set. Life’s thrown him curveballs, but we’re here for him.” Werkheiser revealed he’s been in touch with Chase’s family and encouraged fans to donate to mental health charities rather than unsolicited fundraisers.

Other Nickelodeon alumni echoed the sentiment. Lindsey Shaw (Moze) posted on Instagram: “Tylor was always the funniest guy on set. Sending love and hoping he gets the help he needs.” Daniel Curtis Lee (Cookie) shared a throwback photo, captioning it, “Brother, we’re rooting for you.” The show’s creator, Scott Fellows, issued a statement to ABC7: “Tylor brought joy to so many. It’s heartbreaking, but stories like Shaun’s show recovery is possible.”

This collective response highlights a growing awareness in Hollywood of child stars’ vulnerabilities. The industry, long criticized for exploiting young talent, has seen similar tales: Amanda Bynes’ breakdowns, Macaulay Culkin’s drug battles, Lindsay Lohan’s legal woes. Documentaries like Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV (2024) exposed toxic environments on Nickelodeon sets, from abuse to pressure. Chase’s story fits this pattern—early fame without adequate support leading to adult struggles.

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Who is Tylor Chase? Ex-Nickelodeon child star spotted homeless in …

The Broader Crisis: Child Stars and the Hollywood Machine

Chase’s homelessness isn’t isolated. Born in Arizona, he began acting as a teen, landing guest spots on shows like That’s So Raven before joining Ned’s Declassified in 2005. The series, a staple of 2000s Nickelodeon, ran for three seasons and won kids’ hearts with its school survival tips and slapstick humor. Chase’s Martin was memorable for his nerdy charm, often stealing scenes with awkward one-liners.

Post-show, Chase’s career stalled. Small roles in indie films and TV dried up by 2012. Reports from outlets like Gulf News and the Independent suggest underlying issues: possible addiction, mental health challenges, and the classic child star trap—aging out of cute roles without a safety net. His mother’s comments to Yahoo Entertainment indicate family support but limited resources, with Chase in a group home before eviction.

Weiss’s intervention underscores a theme: survivors helping survivors. Weiss, after his 2020 low, credits sobriety to programs like those he now offers Chase. His stand-up set joking about his mugshot (as seen in People) shows humor as healing. “I looked like the villain in a bad horror movie,” he quipped, turning pain into punchlines.

Hollywood’s response? Mixed. While stars like Weiss step up, systemic change lags. Initiatives like A Minor Consideration advocate for child actors’ rights, but many slip through cracks. The viral nature of Chase’s story—fueled by TikTok and Reddit—has sparked donations to organizations like StandUp for Kids, aiding homeless youth.

Hope on the Horizon: A Potential Turning Point

As of December 24, 2025, Chase has reportedly connected with Weiss via mutual contacts. ABC7 quoted Weiss: “We’ve got a plan—detox first, then treatment. Tylor’s talented; he can come back stronger.” Chase’s family expressed gratitude, noting privacy but appreciating outreach.

This story, unfolding during the holidays, reminds us of empathy’s power. Fans, moved by the videos, share messages of support on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. “From Goldberg to guardian angel,” one post read. Broader implications? It highlights need for mental health resources in entertainment, perhaps inspiring more interventions.

In the end, Weiss’s offer isn’t just help—it’s a beacon. For Chase, it could be the lifeline pulling him from shadows. For fans, it’s a reminder: behind every child star’s smile is a human story, often untold until crisis. As Weiss proves, redemption isn’t just possible—it’s contagious. Will Chase accept? The world watches, rooting for a happy ending in a tale too real for Hollywood scripts.