Actor Daveigh Chase, known for The Ring and Lilo & Stitch, dies at 35

The film and television worlds are grieving the loss of actress Daveigh Chase, who tragically passed away at the age of 35 after a brief illness. Chase, whose career began with a childhood donation to the arts, was best remembered for her chilling appearance as Samara Morgan in the horror film The Ring and for voicing Disney’s beloved character Lilo in Lilo & Stitch.

Chase’s debut came at just four years old, doing voiceover work in Las Vegas and taking her first Hollywood role on the sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch when she was seven. She went on to an acclaimed performance as Samantha Darko in Donnie Darko and as the titular sister in the 2009 film Dr. S, before she was cast as the demonic antagonist in The Ring. For that role she won an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.

In 2002, Chase became a voice icon when Disney entrusted her with the role of Lilo in the hit movie Lilo & Stitch, earning an Annie Award for best voice acting. She continued to lend her voice to the character in several sequels and spin-offs.

Between Lilo & Stitch and Donnie Darko, Chase also appeared in the critically acclaimed HBO series Big Love as Rhonda Volmer, a role that ran for 32 episodes and showcased her dramatic range.

According to longtime manager and friend John Ryan Jr., Chase made her final admission to a Los Angeles hospital after suffering from a bout of meningitis. She died of sepsis compounded by malnutrition. Ryan recalled that Chase was “the greatest,” a woman who loved cats and often retreated to her home in Las Vegas. He noted she preferred modest gigs over Hollywood showroom fame, often turning down big studio offers for independent projects.

Despite a successful career, Chase’s life was marred by legal troubles later on, including charges for drug possession and joy‑riding in a stolen vehicle.

Her sudden passing leaves fans and colleagues reflecting on a career that blended horror brilliance, animated warmth, and poignant drama.