Daveigh Chase, Actress from 'The Ring' and 'Lilo & Stitch,' Dies at 35

Daveigh Chase, the actress known for her iconic role as the ghostly Samara Morgan in the 2002 horror film 'The Ring' and as the voice of Lilo in Disney's 2002 animated feature 'Lilo & Stitch,' has died at age 35. According to her father, John David Schwallier, Chase died from complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection, medically classified as sepsis. She had been hospitalized in Los Angeles and was homeless with her boyfriend at the time of her death.

Chase began her entertainment career at a remarkably young age, starting with voiceover work and theatre in Las Vegas around age 4, and booking her first Hollywood television role at age 7 on the sitcom 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch.' Her breakthrough came in 2001 when she appeared in 'Donnie Darko' and voiced a lead character in the acclaimed animated film 'Spirited Away.' Her performance as Samara in 'The Ring' earned her a 2003 MTV Movie Award for best villain, and her voice work as Lilo in 'Lilo & Stitch' received an Annie Award. She also had a significant role in the HBO series 'Big Love,' appearing in 32 episodes as the character Rhonda Volmer.

Despite early success in Hollywood, Chase stepped away from full-time acting in 2015. Her manager of 15 years, John Ryan Jr., described her as someone who "was not very Hollywood," preferring independent projects and a quiet life over big studio productions. Chase maintained homes in Las Vegas and downtown Los Angeles and was known for her passion for cat rescue work. She was admitted to the hospital for malnourishment before developing the meningitis that would ultimately claim her life.

Chase's later years were marked by personal struggles, including drug challenges beginning at age 13 and legal issues involving drug possession and car theft charges. She had become estranged from her parents, who are divorced. Her father revealed that he remained in contact with her and arrived at the Los Angeles hospital where she was being treated before her death. An online fundraiser created by her boyfriend raised approximately $4,000, noting the contrast between her celebrated childhood roles and the significant hardships she faced.