Actress Daveigh Chase, best known for her lead roles in The Ring and Lilo & Stitch, has died.
Born Daveigh Elizabeth Chase-Schwallier on July 24th 1990, Chase displayed a love of performing from an early age.
After enrolling in voice and dance training at the age of three, Chase soon began competing in local talent shows.
During a family road trip to Los Angeles, Chase and her mother were involved in a serious car accident. Her mother was subsequently advised not to drive for six months, leaving the family stranded.
In the long run, this turned out to be a fortunate event, as it enabled Chase to form connections in the business. Soon, she was appearing in commercials and working as a child model.
Her screen debut came in 1999, with an appearance on Sabrina the Teenage Witch. More television roles soon followed, and by 2001, Chase had secured her first sizeable mainstream feature.
She secured the role of Samantha Darko, the younger sister of the titular character in the cult classic psychological drama Donnie Darko. Chase would reprise this role in a leading capacity for the 2009 sequel S. Darko.
Soon after her mainstream breakthrough, Daveigh bagged the role she will remain most recognizable for. The actress was selected from hundreds of auditionees to be the voice of Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s hit animated comedy Lilo & Stitch.
Following its enormous success, Chase would continue to lend her voice to the character, appearing in a sequel, a television series, and several spin-off projects.
2002 also saw Chase win the role genre fans will remember her for; playing Samara Morgan in 2002’s American remake of The Ring.
On television, Chase’s successes included lead roles on the sitcom Oliver Beene, and playing the daughter of Bill Paxton in the comedy-drama Big Love.
In recent years, Chase’s career had slowed considerably. Following several legal issues, she chose to withdraw from her profession and public life. Her final role came with the lead in 2016’s independent film American Romance.
Daveigh Chase died on June 16th 2026 due to complications from meningitis. Her death was announced the following day by her boyfriend. A funding campaign has been set up to help cover Chase’s medical and funeral expenses. Daveigh Chase was 35 years old.
Rest easy, Daveigh.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-daveigh-chase-find-comfort-peace
