Daveigh Chase dies at 35: 'Lilo & Stitch' and 'The Ring' star succumbs to meningitis and sepsis
Washington, June 18
Actor and voice artist Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' and portraying Samara Morgan in the horror hit 'The Ring', has died at the age of 35.
According to TMZ, Chase died on June 16. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, told the outlet that the former child star died from meningitis and a blood infection that led to septic complications and ultimately caused her body to shut down.
Hernandez said Chase had been admitted to a Los Angeles hospital earlier this month due to malnutrition. He also stated that she was later diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections.
"Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. Her condition has become critical," Hernandez wrote in a GoFundMe page created before her death, as per a separate report quoted by E! News.
Chase became a household name in 2002 when she voiced the title character in Disney's animated film 'Lilo & Stitch', later reprising the role in the franchise's television series.
The performance introduced audiences to the now-famous line that "ohana means family", making her voice synonymous with one of Disney's most beloved modern characters.
The same year, Chase delivered another career-defining performance as Samara Morgan, the terrifying antagonist in 'The Ring'. Her portrayal earned widespread recognition and won her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
Beyond those landmark roles, Chase built an extensive screen career across film and television. She voiced Chihiro Ogino in the American dub of Spirited Away and appeared in projects including Donnie Darko, Beethoven's 5th, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, ER and Mercy.
From 2006 onwards, she played Rhonda Volmer in HBO's acclaimed drama series 'Big Love', appearing in 32 episodes during the show's five-season run.
Reflecting on their relationship in the GoFundMe campaign, Hernandez wrote, "When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved."
He added that the couple hoped to build a life together, saying, "Together, we found moments of happiness and hope," as quoted by E! News.
In a 2012 interview with TMZ, Chase said, "Independents are my preference," reflecting her interest in independent cinema.
Her later work included films such as 'Yellow' (2012), 'Transference' (2014) and 'Wild in Blue' (2015).
Chase's death has prompted tributes from fans who remember both her heartwarming voice performance as Lilo and her chilling turn in The Ring.
She leaves behind a body of work that spanned animation, horror, television drama and independent film.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Ohana means family, and family never gets forgotten. 🥺 Such a tragic loss at just 35. The meningitis and sepsis combination is brutal—it can take down even the healthiest person. My prayers go out to her family and Roy. Disney lost a gem today.
Honestly, I'm shocked. I watched The Ring when I was in college in Mumbai and couldn't sleep for a week. She was only a kid when she played that role and she nailed it. Still can't believe she's gone. May her soul rest in peace. 🙏
Such a terrible end for someone who brought so much joy to millions of kids. The malnutrition part is concerning—sounds like she was struggling but didn't get help soon enough. Mental health and physical health really do connect. RIP Daveigh.
I remember watching 'Spirited Away' with the English dub and being amazed at how good her voice work was for Chihiro. She had such versatility—from innocent Lilo to terrifying Samara. Gone too soon. Om Shanti. 🙏
This is so sad. I just showed my niece 'Lilo & Stitch' last week and she loved it. Now I'll always think of Daveigh when we watch it. The fact that she was so talented from such a young age... and 35 is no age to go. 💔
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