Hollywood is in mourning over the death of actress Daveigh Chase, who had carved out a reputation in both animated and horror films with memorable performances. The former child star, best known for voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and the terrifying Samara Morgan in The Ring, has died at the age of 35.
Chase died June 16, 2026, after a catastrophic medical crisis that escalated quickly over a matter of weeks, her family and representatives confirmed.# Health Struggle Ends in Tragedy
Chase had been receiving medical treatment following a hospital visit in early June, according to sources close to the actress. She was reportedly admitted with serious malnutrition but her condition became more complicated as more health problems developed.
Doctors later diagnosed her with meningitis and multiple blood infections. Eventually the infections developed into sepsis, a potentially deadly condition in which the body’s organs stop working as a result of widespread inflammation.
Her partner, Roy Hernandez, had started a crowdfunding drive earlier for financial support, saying Chase’s health had become critical and that she needed extensive medical care. Her condition continued to deteriorate despite ongoing treatment and medical intervention.
She died peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones at home, it is understood.# A Hollywood Favorite Who Was a Childhood Star
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Daveigh Chase entered show business at an early age, becoming one of the most recognizable young performers in Hollywood.
Her breakthrough came in 2002, when she voiced the spirited young girl Lilo in Disney’s animated hit Lilo & Stitch. Her performance infused the beloved character with emotional truth and helped the movie become an enduring favorite.
Chase returned to the part in several sequels and TV projects as the franchise blossomed, her voice becoming synonymous with one of Disney’s most beloved characters in the early 2000s.# From Disney Heroine to Horror Legend
Many young actors are associated with one role, but Chase has demonstrated tremendous range working on wildly different projects.
That same year, she appeared as Samara Morgan in the supernatural horror hit The Ring and also did the voiceover for Lilo. She was unforgettable as the mysterious and unsettling villain, turning in one of the most memorable horror performances of the decade.
The film was a huge box office hit, due in part to the haunting images of The Ring and Chase’s chilling portrayal. She was well-known for her work, including an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
For many moviegoers, she came to symbolize, as much as nightmare-inducing horror, childhood nostalgia—a feat rarely achieved by any performer. # An Acting Career with Unforgettable Roles
Chase’s résumé went well beyond her most famous performances, highlighting her range in film, television and voice acting.
She was also the English voice of Chihiro in Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed animated masterpiece Spirited Away, bringing a beloved animated film to countless Western audiences.
Fans also remember her role as Samantha Darko in Donnie Darko, a cult classic that still draws in new viewers years after its release.
On television Chase earned further recognition for her recurring role as Rhonda Volmer on HBO’s Big Love, which she appeared in from 2006 to 2011.
Though she has been less involved in major Hollywood productions since 2016, her contributions up to that point still won over the hearts of fans around the world.# A Legacy That Will Live On
Daveigh Chase carved out a career that few actors could match over nearly five decades of screen and voice work. Whether in animated work to warm and humanize characters or in darker roles with unforgettable performances, she brought a talent that crossed genres.
Her work helped define a generation of family entertainment and influenced modern horror cinema. Her acting continues to be a big part of many millennials’ and Gen Z’s childhood memories and movie experiences.
Daveigh Chase is survived by her family and close friends, who have asked to be left alone to grieve.
Though her life was cut short, the characters she brought to life will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.