Daveigh Chase Dies at 35: Remembering the Talented Star Behind Lilo and Samara
BY Mahnoor | 18-06-2026

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actress Daveigh Chase, whose memorable performances left a lasting impact on audiences around the globe. Best known for giving voice to the spirited Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and for her chilling portrayal of Samara Morgan in The Ring, Chase reportedly passed away on June 16, 2026, at the age of 35.
According to reports, the actress died after suffering from meningitis and a severe blood infection. News of her passing was confirmed by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, who shared that she had been hospitalized earlier in the month. He also revealed that she had been dealing with health complications, including malnutrition, in the weeks leading up to her death.
Her passing has shocked fans who grew up watching her work and admired the versatility she brought to both family-friendly and dramatic roles throughout her career.
Early Life and First Steps in Entertainment
Born on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Daveigh Chase showed an interest in performing from a very young age. Like many child actors, she began her journey in television commercials before gradually earning opportunities in larger productions.
Her early appearances included guest roles in popular television series such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch and ER. These performances helped her gain valuable experience and introduced her to a wider audience. Even at a young age, Chase displayed a natural talent that set her apart from many of her peers.
Although she worked steadily in television during her childhood, few could have predicted that 2002 would become the year that completely changed her career.
The Role That Made Her a Disney Favorite
In 2002, Daveigh Chase landed the role that would introduce her to millions of families worldwide. She voiced Lilo, the energetic and imaginative young girl at the center of Disney’s animated film Lilo & Stitch.
The movie quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its heartfelt story, memorable characters, and emotional themes of family and belonging. Chase’s voice performance brought warmth, humor, and authenticity to Lilo, making the character one of Disney’s most beloved creations.
Her work was praised by critics and audiences alike, earning her significant recognition in the animation industry. The success of the film led her to reprise the role in sequels, spin-off projects, and television adaptations.
For many fans, Daveigh Chase will always be remembered as the voice behind one of Disney’s most iconic characters. Her portrayal helped create a character that continues to resonate with new generations of viewers.
Becoming a Horror Icon with The Ring
The same year she voiced Lilo, Chase took on a completely different challenge. She portrayed Samara Morgan in the supernatural horror film The Ring, a role that would establish her as one of the most recognizable young performers in horror cinema.
Samara’s eerie appearance and unsettling presence became a defining part of the movie’s success. Chase delivered a performance that was both mysterious and terrifying, helping create one of the most memorable horror villains of the early 2000s.

Her work in the film earned widespread praise and won her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. Despite being so young at the time, she demonstrated remarkable acting ability by convincingly bringing such a complex and frightening character to life.
Even years after the film’s release, Samara remains one of the most recognizable figures in modern horror, and Chase’s performance continues to be celebrated by genre fans.
A Career Filled with Diverse Roles
While many actors struggle to move beyond their most famous performances, Daveigh Chase successfully built a career that included a wide range of projects.
She provided the English-language voice for Chihiro in the acclaimed animated film Spirited Away, allowing English-speaking audiences to experience one of the most celebrated animated movies ever made.
She also appeared in the cult classic Donnie Darko, further demonstrating her ability to work in unique and challenging productions.
Television viewers may also remember her from HBO’s drama series Big Love, where she portrayed Rhonda Volmer. The character became a memorable part of the show’s storyline, and Chase remained involved throughout all five seasons.
These projects highlighted her versatility as an actress and proved she could succeed in animation, horror, drama, and independent films alike.
Later Years and Departure from Acting
As she entered adulthood, Chase continued acting in films such as S. Darko, Yellow, and American Romance. While these projects did not receive the same level of mainstream attention as her earlier work, they reflected her ongoing commitment to the craft.
American Romance, released in 2016, became her final film appearance. After that project, Chase largely stepped away from the entertainment industry and chose to live a more private life.
She gradually disappeared from public events and reportedly stopped using social media in 2017. As a result, fans rarely heard updates about her life in the years that followed.
Her decision to remain out of the spotlight only increased curiosity among longtime followers who remembered her successful career as a child and young adult actress.
Personal Challenges Behind the Scenes
Reports suggest that Chase faced significant personal difficulties in recent years. Roy Hernandez previously spoke publicly about some of the struggles she experienced, including financial instability and challenges in maintaining close family relationships.
A fundraising campaign was reportedly launched to assist her during difficult periods of her life. However, some of the details shared publicly were later questioned by people who knew her personally, leading to differing accounts regarding her circumstances.
Regardless of the speculation, it is clear that Chase faced obstacles away from the cameras that many fans never knew about.
A Legacy That Lives On
Although her life ended far too soon, Daveigh Chase leaves behind a remarkable legacy in film and television. Few performers can claim to have created two characters as unforgettable as Lilo and Samara.
One role brought joy, laughter, and emotional warmth to audiences around the world. The other became a symbol of modern horror and continues to frighten viewers years after its release.
Her performances connected with people across different generations and genres, proving the depth of her talent. Whether audiences remember her as the adventurous little girl from Hawaii or the haunting figure from a cursed videotape, her work remains an important part of popular culture.
As fans revisit her films and celebrate her contributions to entertainment, Daveigh Chase will be remembered not only for the characters she portrayed but also for the lasting impression she made on millions of viewers worldwide.







