The father of homeless Nickelodeon star Tylor Chase has revealed that the family has struggled for more than a decade with his son’s addiction and serious mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Joseph Mendez Jr. said the issues began years before Chase’s recent descent into homelessness in Riverside, California, a revelation that shocked fans who remembered him from his role as Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide in the early 2000s.
Chase, now 36, has been living on the streets amid ongoing struggles with substance abuse and untreated mental illness. According to his father, the problems have plagued both Chase and his family since at least 2015.
“He’s a wonderful person when he’s Tylor,” Mendez, 60, said. “For over a decade, the family has sought treatment options for Tylor, including support for substance use as well as mental health care.”
Mendez explained that, in addition to addiction, his son has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, conditions that require consistent medical treatment. He said the family managed to get Chase into a rehabilitation program around 2021, but the progress was short-lived.
“Approximately four years ago, he received treatment in Georgia, and while there was progress for a time, he later chose to discontinue medication and resumed substance use,” Mendez said.
More recently, Chase returned to California to be closer to his mother, realtor Paula Moisio, in hopes of stabilizing his situation. However, Mendez said his son has repeatedly refused ongoing treatment and assistance despite continued family support.
Riverside police confirmed that Chase has consistently declined shelter placement, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services offered by the department’s outreach team. Court records show he has faced 12 criminal cases since August 2023, including eight this year. His two most recent arrests were for alleged shoplifting and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Warrants have been issued in both cases, though police say he is not actively wanted for any crimes.
“During all of our interactions, he has been cordial and cooperative with our officers,” said Riverside Police Department spokesperson Ryan Railsback. “Our outreach team contacts him at least once a week and consistently offers resources, including temporary shelter options.”
Mendez also revealed that former Disney actor Shaun Weiss has stepped in to help. Weiss, who has spoken openly about his own recovery from addiction, posted an Instagram video pledging to arrange detox and long-term treatment for Chase. According to Mendez, the family is now working with Weiss in hopes of convincing Chase to accept help.
“Tylor is deeply loved by his family and friends,” Mendez said. “We remain hopeful and are praying that he will accept the help being offered. Ultimately, he must be willing to do so.”
This week, Chase’s former Ned’s Declassified co-star Daniel Curtis Lee checked him into a hotel, and the two were seen sharing an emotional reunion.
Earlier this week, the Daily Mail located Chase behind a 7-Eleven near Riverside, where he was digging in the dirt. He was wearing a tattered purple raincoat, a worn LA Raiders polo shirt, and baggy pants decorated with Rugrats characters. His hands were blistered and dirty, and he appeared disoriented, frequently grimacing and working his jaw.
Chase said he remains in contact with his mother and receives food, clothing, and occasional shelter from family, friends, and strangers. He was carrying a stack of Christmas cards and appeared cheerful when told Christmas was only days away.
“They’re very beautiful,” he said. “I just like to cherish the idea of them.”
Chase told the Daily Mail that he vapes and takes several medications, including Prozac, Adderall, and Wellbutrin, which he said were prescribed by a psychiatrist. He denied having any serious mental health diagnoses.
“I’m not really active homeless at this time,” he said, adding that he hopes to travel to Georgia soon to stay with his father and possibly enter a housing assistance program.
Despite years of attempts to intervene, Mendez said the family’s focus remains on his son’s safety, health, and well-being as they wait and hope he chooses to accept help.
