LOS ANGELES, United States — Actress Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, has died at the age of 35 following complications from bacterial meningitis and a blood infection, according to reports in the United States.
Her father, John David Schwallier, told The New York Times that Chase died in a Los Angeles hospital on Tuesday after battling the illness.
Chase rose to international fame as a child actress when she voiced the spirited young protagonist in Disney’s hit animated film Lilo & Stitch, released in 2002. She was only 11 years old when the movie became a global success and later reprised the role in television series and video game adaptations based on the franchise.
Beyond Disney, Chase also lent her voice to Chihiro, the lead character in the English-language version of Spirited Away, the acclaimed Studio Ghibli production that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Her acting career extended beyond voice work. As a child performer, she appeared in commercials and several film productions, including Donnie Darko, where she played the younger sister of the title character, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal.
One of her most memorable live-action roles came in the horror film The Ring, in which she portrayed Samara Morgan, the haunting antagonist whose eerie appearance became one of the defining images of early 2000s horror cinema. Her performance earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2003.
According to her father, Chase faced significant personal challenges later in life. He told The New York Times that she began struggling with substance abuse during her teenage years and had experienced periods of homelessness in Los Angeles.
Reports also cited comments from her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, who described a difficult upbringing and personal hardships that affected the actress throughout adulthood.
“After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA,” Hernandez wrote on a fundraising page created to support her healthcare needs.
Despite her later struggles, Chase’s performances left a lasting mark on popular culture and animated cinema. Generations of viewers continue to associate her voice with some of the most beloved characters in animation, particularly Lilo Pelekai and Chihiro.
Her death has prompted tributes from fans across social media, many remembering her contributions to childhood classics that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Chase is survived by family members and loved ones. Further details regarding memorial arrangements had not been made public at the time of publication.
