Daveigh Chase, the actor and voice artist best known for voicing Lilo in Disney's Lilo & Stitch and portraying the terrifying Samara Morgan in The Ring, has passed away at the age of 35.
Cause of Death
According to TMZ, Chase died on Tuesday after suffering from meningitis and a blood infection that led to septic complications and organ failure. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, told the publication that her condition deteriorated rapidly. Reports also indicated that she had been admitted to a Los Angeles hospital earlier this month due to malnutrition.
A Memorable Career in Film and Television
Chase became a household name in 2002 when she voiced the spirited young girl Lilo in Disney's Lilo & Stitch. She continued to voice the beloved character in several spin-off projects, cementing her place in animation history.
The same year, she delivered one of horror cinema's most unforgettable performances as Samara Morgan in The Ring, the American remake of the Japanese horror classic. Her chilling portrayal earned widespread acclaim and helped make the film a genre-defining success.
Chase also appeared as Samantha Darko in Donnie Darko and later reprised the role in the 2009 spin-off S. Darko. Beyond film, she built an extensive television career with appearances in popular series including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Charmed, ER, Touched by an Angel, CSI, and Cold Case.
Known for Her Role in Big Love
One of Chase's most notable television roles came in HBO's Big Love, where she played Rhonda Volmer across 32 episodes. Her performance showcased her range beyond her child-star image and earned her recognition among television audiences.
Her filmography also included projects such as The Rats, Carolina, Beethoven's 5th, Yellow, Little Red Wagon, Transference, Killer Crush, Jack Goes Home, and American Romance.
Fans Mourn Beloved Child Star
Born in 1990, Chase rose to fame at a young age and became one of the most recognizable child performers of the early 2000s. Her work in animation, horror, and television left a lasting impact on audiences across generations.
Tributes have begun pouring in from fans online, many remembering her iconic voice performance as Lilo and her haunting portrayal of Samara in The Ring.
