Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo and Star of ‘The Ring,’ Dies at 35
Daveigh Chase, the former child actress who captivated audiences as the voice of Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and terrified moviegoers as Samara Morgan in The Ring, has died at the age of 35. According to multiple reports, Chase died on June 16 following complications from meningitis and a serious blood infection that led to sepsis and organ failure.
The news was reportedly confirmed by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, who said Chase had been battling severe health issues in recent weeks. She had previously been hospitalized in Los Angeles for malnutrition before her condition worsened due to meningitis and blood infections.
Born on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chase became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young performers during the early 2000s. Her breakthrough role came when she was cast as Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated hit Lilo & Stitch. Her heartfelt performance earned widespread praise and helped make the film a global success. She later reprised the role in sequels and television adaptations, becoming forever associated with one of Disney’s most beloved characters.
The same year, Chase delivered another iconic performance in a completely different genre. She portrayed Samara Morgan, the eerie child at the center of The Ring, one of the most successful horror films of its era. Her chilling performance earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain and cemented her place in popular culture.
Beyond those signature roles, Chase built an impressive résumé that included voicing Chihiro in the English-language version of Spirited Away, appearing as Samantha Darko in Donnie Darko, and portraying Rhonda Volmer in the HBO drama series Big Love. Her work demonstrated remarkable versatility, allowing her to succeed in animation, horror, drama, and television.
Fans and fellow entertainers quickly took to social media to express their sadness following news of her death. Many remembered her voice performances from childhood, while others reflected on the lasting impact of her portrayal of Samara in The Ring. Tributes highlighted the unique mark she left on both family entertainment and horror cinema.
Although Chase stepped away from major acting roles in later years, her performances continued to resonate with audiences. Generations of viewers grew up hearing her voice as Lilo, while horror fans continued to celebrate her unforgettable work in The Ring. Her contributions remain an important part of early 2000s film and television culture.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of appreciation for a career that began at a young age and produced some of the most memorable performances of her generation. While her life was cut tragically short, Daveigh Chase leaves behind a legacy that spans beloved animated classics, acclaimed television dramas, and one of horror’s most iconic characters.
For millions of fans around the world, she will always be remembered as the voice behind Lilo’s message of family and belonging, and as the actress whose haunting performance in The Ring became unforgettable. Her work continues to endure long after the credits have rolled.
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