It was recently revealed that former child actor Tylor Chase, who was a recurring character in Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, has been begging on the streets. He’s homeless, scruffy-looking, unclean and not well mentally. After a video of him went viral, several former child actors decided to help. Among them was Daniel Curtis Lee, who played Cookie in the same show. Lee got him a hotel room, food and embraced him with a hug. It’s heartbreaking, no doubt.
It’s also a truism of many former child actors. Hollywood isn’t kind to rising stars, and especially so to child actors. It’s gotten better in recent years, but there’s still a long way to go. It’s a shame, as children deserve respect, especially as their prefrontal cortexes are still developing. So that they routinely suffer from mental health issues later in life is a damning statement about the film industry.
While Chase’s situation seems to have a happy ending right now, many stars haven’t been as fortunate. Jackie Coogan aside, the late-Judy Garland suffered from abuse well into adulthood, dying from an overdose in her 40s. Edward Furlong spiralled out of control and became unemployable. And then there’s Drew Barrymore, who had to leave her abusive mother before she could actually heal. Chase is one of many who’ve struggled with transitioning to adulthood.
It’s also a truism of many former child actors. Hollywood isn’t kind to rising stars, and especially so to child actors. It’s gotten better in recent years, but there’s still a long way to go. It’s a shame, as children deserve respect, especially as their prefrontal cortexes are still developing. So that they routinely suffer from mental health issues later in life is a damning statement about the film industry.
While Chase’s situation seems to have a happy ending right now, many stars haven’t been as fortunate. Jackie Coogan aside, the late-Judy Garland suffered from abuse well into adulthood, dying from an overdose in her 40s. Edward Furlong spiralled out of control and became unemployable. And then there’s Drew Barrymore, who had to leave her abusive mother before she could actually heal. Chase is one of many who’ve struggled with transitioning to adulthood.
I don’t want to judge Chase’s situation. His parents have already said their piece, and I’m no expert. However, as someone who’s had PTSD-related trauma of his own, Chase, even if he’s “bad with finances”, deserves some level of decency. And from what I’ve seen online, there are many people who don’t appreciate the struggles of homelessness. Because they’re real, and they’re not fun.
Most people don’t choose to be homeless. Homelessness results from many factors, including evictions, substance abuse, family drama and disabilities. As someone who struggles with money and independent living, I’d probably be in a similar situation as Chase if I didn’t have a great safety net. I’m incredibly blessed to have that. Especially since life hasn’t always been kind.
I wish more people, particularly those in power, understood this, but they routinely bury and criminalize the problem. Whether it’s government supports not covering the full cost of living, employers discriminating against the disadvantaged or institutions being rude to panhandlers, it feels like the system’s stacked against struggling individuals. It’s heartbreaking. It’s heartbreaking because it shouldn’t have to be like this, and it’s heartbreaking because there are ways to minimize these situations.
Most people don’t choose to be homeless. Homelessness results from many factors, including evictions, substance abuse, family drama and disabilities. As someone who struggles with money and independent living, I’d probably be in a similar situation as Chase if I didn’t have a great safety net. I’m incredibly blessed to have that. Especially since life hasn’t always been kind.
I wish more people, particularly those in power, understood this, but they routinely bury and criminalize the problem. Whether it’s government supports not covering the full cost of living, employers discriminating against the disadvantaged or institutions being rude to panhandlers, it feels like the system’s stacked against struggling individuals. It’s heartbreaking. It’s heartbreaking because it shouldn’t have to be like this, and it’s heartbreaking because there are ways to minimize these situations.
One of the suggested ways to help people like Chase is raising tax rates on the 1%. I’m not an expert in economics, but it often feels like the wealthy only help the disadvantaged if it benefits them personally. By getting the wealthy to pay more, their taxes can subsidize affordable housing, meal plans and mental health services, all of which help prevent homelessness. And yes, there are no 100% foolproof options. But attempting to fix this problem is better than ignoring it.
Either way, Tylor Chase needs help, not condemnation. He’s had a rough go, and judging him isn’t helpful. I also think filming him for clout doesn’t help, but that’s a different issue. Because at least he’s getting support from his peers. He needs it, even if there’s a “reason” he’s homeless.
Nevertheless, we should be more compassionate to the needy, especially during the holidays. Christmas, despite my grievances, is about giving and making connections. Sure, the over-commercialization, as well as the debates about “The War on Christmas”, can be really exhausting, but the sentiment remains. Basically, don’t shut your heart out to the Tylor Chases in this world. They’re still human beings.
Either way, Tylor Chase needs help, not condemnation. He’s had a rough go, and judging him isn’t helpful. I also think filming him for clout doesn’t help, but that’s a different issue. Because at least he’s getting support from his peers. He needs it, even if there’s a “reason” he’s homeless.
Nevertheless, we should be more compassionate to the needy, especially during the holidays. Christmas, despite my grievances, is about giving and making connections. Sure, the over-commercialization, as well as the debates about “The War on Christmas”, can be really exhausting, but the sentiment remains. Basically, don’t shut your heart out to the Tylor Chases in this world. They’re still human beings.
And to those who’d claim it’s Chase’s fault that he’s in this situation? Give it a rest. Life is tough, and not everyone’s fortunate enough to be well-off. If you judge someone homeless, and all without getting to understand their situation, then I think you’re a cold-hearted sociopath. That, or you’ve never experienced genuine hardship before.
There’s a reason I give money to people on the streets. Not only do I feel like I’m scraping by financially, hence having the right headspace, but I also don’t need the extra change. Besides, what would I use it on? Junk food? I have cards for that. And yeah, maybe I’m “encouraging” this behaviour. I honestly don’t care.
I’m hoping that Chase’s situation alerts more people to the homeless crisis. Does it suck that it took a former celebrity to open the conversation up? Yes. But if it gets people talking about Hollywood’s treatment of child stars, the indifference we have to homelessness and the ways that we can help those who are less-fortunate, then guess what? It’s worth it. Isn’t that what we want?
There’s a reason I give money to people on the streets. Not only do I feel like I’m scraping by financially, hence having the right headspace, but I also don’t need the extra change. Besides, what would I use it on? Junk food? I have cards for that. And yeah, maybe I’m “encouraging” this behaviour. I honestly don’t care.
I’m hoping that Chase’s situation alerts more people to the homeless crisis. Does it suck that it took a former celebrity to open the conversation up? Yes. But if it gets people talking about Hollywood’s treatment of child stars, the indifference we have to homelessness and the ways that we can help those who are less-fortunate, then guess what? It’s worth it. Isn’t that what we want?
Happy Holidays, and may Tylor Chase receive some closure.
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