Actress Daveigh Chase, whose performances left a lasting impression on an entire generation of moviegoers, has died at the age of 35. The former child star, remembered for voicing Lilo in Disney’s beloved animated film Lilo & Stitch and for portraying the haunting Samara Morgan in the horror hit The Ring, passed away on June 16 following complications related to a serious illness.
According to reports, Chase had been hospitalized in Los Angeles after developing meningitis and multiple blood infections. The condition reportedly progressed into sepsis, eventually leading to multi-organ failure. News of her passing was initially shared through statements attributed to her longtime partner, though some questions later emerged regarding a fundraising campaign associated with the announcement. A former manager of the actress publicly disputed certain claims and suggested that members of Chase’s family were unfamiliar with the individual behind the fundraiser. Despite those concerns, multiple outlets have confirmed the actress’s death.
Born Daveigh Elizabeth Chase-Schwallier on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, she spent much of her childhood in Oregon before entering the entertainment industry at a young age. By the early 2000s, she had become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young talents, demonstrating a remarkable ability to move effortlessly between family entertainment and psychological horror.
Her voice performance as the spirited and independent Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s 2002 film Lilo & Stitch helped turn the movie into a modern classic. Around the same time, she delivered one of the most memorable performances in horror cinema as Samara Morgan in The Ring, a role that earned her widespread acclaim and an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
Beyond those iconic performances, Chase also voiced Chihiro in the English-language version of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, appeared in Donnie Darko, reprised her role as Samantha Darko in S. Darko, and portrayed Rhonda Volmer in HBO’s acclaimed drama Big Love. Her work in animation earned her an Annie Award, further cementing her reputation as one of the standout child performers of her era.
Although her screen appearances became less frequent in later years, her performances remained deeply cherished by audiences. News of her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans who grew up with her work, remembering an actress whose talent helped define some of the most beloved and unforgettable films of the early 2000s.
At just 35 years old, Daveigh Chase leaves behind a legacy that continues to resonate across generations, carried forward by characters that remain woven into popular culture and the memories of millions who watched her grow up on screen.
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