In brief
Daveigh Chase, the chilling icon known as Samara Morgan in ‘The Ring’ and the voice of Lilo in Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ died at 35 after a fight with sepsis and meningitis. Earlier this week, her manager confirmed that she had been hospitalized for malnutrition before her demise. Chase’s career spanned from child roles in shows like ‘Sabrina’ and ‘Donnie Darko’ to her best‑selling voice work in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and a notable stint on ‘Big Love.’ Despite her fame, the star preferred a quieter life in Las Vegas and maintained a love for cats. The Hollywood community mourns the loss of an actress who blended horror and heartwarming animation.
Daveigh Chase, the actress who famously portrayed the chilling Samara Morgan in ‘The Ring’ and voiced Disney’s beloved Lilo, passed away at the age of 35.
Her longtime manager, John Ryan Jr., confirmed that Chase died after a bout with sepsis that followed meningitis, after being admitted to a Los Angeles hospital for severe malnutrition.
Born in Utah, Chase began acting at just four years old, landing her first Hollywood role at seven. By the early 2000s she had appeared in ‘Sabrina The Teenage Witch’, ‘Donnie Darko’, and the iconic horror film ‘The Ring’.
Her skill with voice acting led her to star as the earnest Hawaiian girl Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ earning an Annie Award and later continuing the role in spin‑offs.
Beyond film, Chase had recurring roles on TV dramas such as ‘Charmed’, ‘ER’, and a 32‑episode arc as Rhonda Volmer in HBO’s ‘Big Love.’
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Chase faced legal challenges later in her life, including drug possession charges and a traffic incident involving a stolen vehicle.
While Hollywood chased her fame, Ryan recalled that Chase preferred a quieter life, retreating to her Las Vegas home and enjoying the company of cats, praising her humble approach to the spotlight.
