Horror Icon From ‘The Ring’ Dies at Just 35

Daveigh Chase, the former child actress best known for her memorable performances in “The Ring” and Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” has died at the age of 35. According to Page Six , her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, said Chase…

Andrew PowellJun 17, 20262 min read

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Daveigh Chase, the former child actress best known for her memorable performances in “The Ring” and Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” has died at the age of 35.

According to Page Six, her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, said Chase died Tuesday after developing meningitis and a blood Infection that led to sepsis, causing her body to shut down. TMZ first reported her Death.

Hernandez said Chase had been hospitalized in Los Angeles earlier this month. TMZ reported she was admitted after suffering from malnutrition.

Chase became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable child stars in 2002 when she voiced the title character in Disney’s animated hit “Lilo & Stitch.” She later returned to the role in the franchise’s television series, helping introduce Lilo to a new generation of viewers.

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That same year, she delivered one of horror’s most memorable performances as Samara Morgan in “The Ring.” Her portrayal of the terrifying young girl earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.

Before those breakout roles, Chase also voiced Chihiro Ogino in the English-language version of the Academy Award-winning animated film “Spirited Away.”

As her career continued, she appeared in a wide range of television and film projects. She played Rhonda Volmer in HBO’s “Big Love,” appearing in 32 episodes during the show’s five-season run.

Her acting résumé also included credits in “Donnie Darko,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Beethoven’s 5th,” “ER,” and “Mercy.”

In the weeks before her death, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking financial assistance as Chase dealt with serious health issues. In the fundraiser, he described the actress as someone who had faced significant personal challenges away from the spotlight.

“Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life. Many people know her as a talented childhood actor from ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ ‘Spirited Away,’ and ‘Donnie Darko.’ But behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship,” Hernandez wrote.

He added that the couple had hoped to build a safe and peaceful life together.

“All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days,” Hernandez wrote.

Chase leaves behind a body of work that made a lasting impression on audiences through both live-action performances and beloved animated films.