Voice of Lilo and Star of ‘The Ring’ Daveigh Chase Dies at Age 35

Former child actress Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s animated hit “Lilo & Stitch” and portraying the terrifying Samara Morgan in the horror classic “The Ring,” has died at the age of 35. Her death was confirmed by family members and representatives on June 17.

According to reports, Chase died in Los Angeles following complications from bacterial meningitis and a severe blood infection that led to sepsis. Her father, John David Schwallier, confirmed the cause of death, while her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, said she had been hospitalized earlier this month as her health deteriorated.

Born on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chase began acting at a young age and quickly became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable child performers. Her breakthrough came in 2002 when she voiced the title character in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” a role she later reprised in television series, sequels and video games.

That same year, she gained widespread acclaim for her chilling performance as Samara Morgan, the supernatural antagonist in “The Ring.” The role earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain and established her as one of the most memorable young actors of her generation.

Beyond those iconic roles, Chase also voiced Chihiro in the English-language version of Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed animated film Spirited Away and appeared in films such as Donnie Darko, as well as television series including Big Love, “ER,” “Charmed” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”

In recent years, Chase had largely stepped away from the entertainment industry. Reports indicated that she faced personal challenges, including health struggles and periods of homelessness. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans who grew up watching her work in both family entertainment and horror films.

Fans across social media have remembered Chase for her unique ability to bring warmth and innocence to Lilo while delivering one of horror cinema’s most unforgettable performances as Samara. Her work continues to resonate with audiences more than two decades after her rise to fame.

Daveigh Chase is survived by family members and leaves behind a legacy that spans animation, television and film, with performances that shaped the childhoods of millions around the world.