Daniel Curtis Lee just stepped back into the spotlight. The beloved actor behind Simon Cookie Nelson Cook from Ned’s Declassified is at the center of a wave of attention today, as fans look for answers and hope for the show’s family. We can confirm renewed interest follows a difficult video that showed fellow alum Tylor Chase facing homelessness. Offers of help arrived quickly from actors who know that road, including Shaun Weiss. Series lead Devon Werkheiser also spoke out with care. And now, people are asking, how is Cookie doing, and where is Daniel Curtis Lee now
Why Daniel Curtis Lee is back in focus
The fandom is rallying around the old crew. The Ned’s cast holds a special place for a generation who learned to survive school with humor and heart. When a former castmate is hurting, that love fires up fast. It has sparked a deeper look at the entire cast, and Daniel is front and center.
We reached out to Daniel’s team for comment. As of press time, he has not issued a public statement on the Tylor Chase situation. What we can report with confidence is this. Lee has stayed active in entertainment and remains closely connected to his Ned’s family. He is part of the group keeping the show’s spirit alive.
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This story involves homelessness. Approach with empathy. Lives do not fit into quick takes.
From Cookie to creator
Daniel Curtis Lee grew up in front of Nickelodeon’s cameras. Cookie was the brainy best friend with gadgets in every pocket. The role made him a core memory for early 2000s kids. After the final bell rang at James K. Polk Middle School, Lee did not hit pause.
He moved into new lanes. He starred on Disney XD’s Zeke and Luther as the bold and funny Kojo. He kept sharpening his comedy and music, and built a path that looked like him, not like a mold.
Most notably, Lee reunited with Devon Werkheiser and Lindsey Shaw for Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide. The trio revisits episodes, shares stories from set, and talks about life after child stardom. It is honest and warm, and it shows how the cast still looks out for each other.
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Fans are showing up
The mood around Daniel today is protective and proud. People want to celebrate his journey and support the cast while also facing hard truths. Childhood fame can look easy from far away. Up close, it takes guidance, money sense, and steady mental health care. Not everyone gets that support when the cameras stop.
Here is what we are seeing fans do that matters:
- Revisit Ned’s with kindness for the real people behind the characters
- Boost current projects from Lee and his castmates
- Share resources for housing and mental health support
- Call for better systems for young performers
If you loved the show, show love to the people. Lead with care, ask for facts, and uplift verified ways to help.
The bigger picture for former child stars
This moment is about more than one cast. It is about the industry’s responsibility. Former child actors often face gaps in savings, health care, and community. A strong support net can make the difference between stability and crisis. The conversation around Tylor Chase has opened that door again.
Daniel’s ongoing work has helped put real experience into that talk. On the podcast, he and his cohosts unpack the odd mix of fame and real life. They do not glamorize it. They tell stories you recognize. Bad haircuts. Tough auditions. Wins that feel small but mean everything. That honesty has power. It reminds fans that the people who shaped their childhoods are adults still growing, just like the rest of us.
What we know about Daniel right now
Here is the update, straight and clear. Daniel Curtis Lee remains active as an actor and creator. He collaborates with his Ned’s family and shows up for projects that reflect his voice. He continues to build on the legacy of Cookie, but he is far more than that role.
- Known for Cookie on Ned’s Declassified
- Starred as Kojo on Disney XD’s Zeke and Luther
- Co-hosts Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide
- Pursues music and comedy projects
We will continue to monitor the situation around Tylor Chase and note any direct statements from the cast. For now, this is a moment for compassion and for celebrating the resilience of performers who grew up on our screens.
The bottom line
Daniel Curtis Lee is here, creating, and connected. The love for Cookie never stopped, and neither did the work. The cast that taught a generation how to get through the day is still finding ways to do that for each other. That is the story worth holding onto. Not just nostalgia, but care. Not just reruns, but real life.
