ArtistDirect News
Daveigh Chase, Actress Behind Lilo & Stitch and The Ring, Dies at 35
At 35, the voice that sang Lilo Pelekai’s Hawaiian lullabies and the chilling scream that haunted Samara Morgan’s victims have gone silent. Daveigh Chase, best known for her work in Disney’s 2002 animated feature Lilo & Stitch and the horror hit The Ring, died on Tuesday, June 16 2026.
The cause of death was septic shock that followed a bout of meningitis and a blood infection, according to Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, who confirmed the news to TMZ. Hernandez said that Chase had been diagnosed with meningitis and that her condition worsened after multiple serious blood infections, ultimately leading to septic complications.
Chase’s career began in childhood. She first appeared in the 2001 cult film Donnie Darko as Samantha Darko and provided the English voice of Chihiro Ogino in the 2001 dub of Spirited Away. The same year she voiced Lilo in Lilo & Stitch, a role that earned her an Annie Award in 2003 for the character’s appearance in the television series that followed the film. In 2003, her portrayal of the vengeful child antagonist Samara Morgan in The Ring earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
After the early 2000s, Chase moved into adult roles. She appeared in the HBO drama Big Love from 2006 to 2011, playing the manipulative teenager Rhonda Volmer. She reprised her Donnie Darko character in the 2009 sequel S. Darko and later appeared in independent thrillers, with her final credited performance in the 2016 film Jack Goes Home.
Following her retirement from acting, Chase’s personal life attracted media attention. Reports from the Hollywood Reporter noted that she faced several legal challenges, including charges of drug possession and joyriding a stolen vehicle. In the weeks before her death, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Chase, describing her as having endured a difficult childhood, a falling out with her family, bullying, and a search for safety in downtown Los Angeles.
Chase’s passing has prompted reflection on her contributions to early 2000s cinema and animation. Lilo & Stitch was a box‑office success, grossing over $273 million worldwide and spawning a franchise that included direct‑to‑video sequels, television series, and a live‑action adaptation released in 2025. The Ring was a commercial hit, earning $249 million worldwide and influencing a wave of American remakes of Asian horror films.
Industry observers note that Chase’s career illustrates the trajectory of a child actor who achieved rapid success but later stepped away from the spotlight. Her awards—an Annie Award for voice work and an MTV Movie Award for a live‑action performance—highlight her versatility across media.
As of the latest reports, the GoFundMe campaign remains active, and Hernandez has expressed a desire to provide Chase with a peaceful environment during her final days. No further details about her estate or posthumous releases have been released.
Chase’s death at 35 marks a premature end to a career that began with a distinctive voice and a memorable horror performance. Her legacy continues through the enduring popularity of the films and series in which she appeared.
The cause of death was septic shock that followed a bout of meningitis and a blood infection, according to Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, who confirmed the news to TMZ. Hernandez said that Chase had been diagnosed with meningitis and that her condition worsened after multiple serious blood infections, ultimately leading to septic complications.
Chase’s career began in childhood. She first appeared in the 2001 cult film Donnie Darko as Samantha Darko and provided the English voice of Chihiro Ogino in the 2001 dub of Spirited Away. The same year she voiced Lilo in Lilo & Stitch, a role that earned her an Annie Award in 2003 for the character’s appearance in the television series that followed the film. In 2003, her portrayal of the vengeful child antagonist Samara Morgan in The Ring earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
After the early 2000s, Chase moved into adult roles. She appeared in the HBO drama Big Love from 2006 to 2011, playing the manipulative teenager Rhonda Volmer. She reprised her Donnie Darko character in the 2009 sequel S. Darko and later appeared in independent thrillers, with her final credited performance in the 2016 film Jack Goes Home.
Following her retirement from acting, Chase’s personal life attracted media attention. Reports from the Hollywood Reporter noted that she faced several legal challenges, including charges of drug possession and joyriding a stolen vehicle. In the weeks before her death, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Chase, describing her as having endured a difficult childhood, a falling out with her family, bullying, and a search for safety in downtown Los Angeles.
Chase’s passing has prompted reflection on her contributions to early 2000s cinema and animation. Lilo & Stitch was a box‑office success, grossing over $273 million worldwide and spawning a franchise that included direct‑to‑video sequels, television series, and a live‑action adaptation released in 2025. The Ring was a commercial hit, earning $249 million worldwide and influencing a wave of American remakes of Asian horror films.
Industry observers note that Chase’s career illustrates the trajectory of a child actor who achieved rapid success but later stepped away from the spotlight. Her awards—an Annie Award for voice work and an MTV Movie Award for a live‑action performance—highlight her versatility across media.
As of the latest reports, the GoFundMe campaign remains active, and Hernandez has expressed a desire to provide Chase with a peaceful environment during her final days. No further details about her estate or posthumous releases have been released.
Chase’s death at 35 marks a premature end to a career that began with a distinctive voice and a memorable horror performance. Her legacy continues through the enduring popularity of the films and series in which she appeared.