Daveigh Chase, Lilo & Stitch and The Ring Actress, Dies at 35

Published: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 5:41 pm

Actress Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo and Star of "The Ring," Dies at 35

Daveigh Chase, the talented actress recognized for her iconic voice work as Lilo in Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" and her chilling portrayal of Samara Morgan in the horror hit "The Ring," has passed away at the age of 35. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed her death, stating that Chase had been battling meningitis, which unfortunately progressed to a blood infection and ultimately sepsis. Reports also indicate that Chase had been hospitalized earlier in June due to malnutrition. Further details surrounding her passing have not yet been released.

Chase carved out a significant niche in Hollywood as a prominent child actor in the early 2000s. Her career took flight in 2002 with her memorable performance as Lilo Pelekai in "Lilo & Stitch," a role she reprised in various Disney productions. Concurrently, she lent her voice to Chihiro in the English dub of the acclaimed animated film "Spirited Away" in 2001, earning an Annie Award for her exceptional voice acting.

Her impact on the horror genre was equally profound. As Samara Morgan in "The Ring," Chase delivered a performance that became central to the film's success and its transformation into a cultural touchstone, garnering her an MTV Movie Award nomination. Prior to these defining roles, she appeared in smaller television capacities and played Samantha Darko in the cult classic "Donnie Darko." As she matured, Chase became a familiar face to television audiences for her role as Rhonda Volmer in the HBO drama "Big Love." She portrayed the complex teenager, raised in a polygamist community, from 2006 to 2011. Her later career included a return as Samantha in "S. Darko" and appearances in independent thrillers such as "Jack Goes Home." Despite stepping back from acting in recent years, Chase's legacy remains firmly tied to the performances that shaped a generation of family entertainment and horror cinema. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign.

BNN's Perspective: The passing of Daveigh Chase at such a young age is a profound loss. Her dual talents, bringing to life the beloved Lilo and the terrifying Samara, showcased a remarkable range that resonated with audiences across different genres. While the circumstances of her death are tragic, her contributions to film and television have left an indelible mark, ensuring her performances will be remembered for years to come.

Tags: Daveigh Chase, Lilo & Stitch, The Ring, Samara Morgan, Lilo Pelekai, voice actress, horror film, animated film, meningitis, sepsis, child actor, Big Love, Spirited Away, Donnie Darko

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