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'Lilo & Stitch' star Daveigh Chase dies at 35

Former child actress succumbs to meningitis

Published Jun 18, 2026 11:48 am
REST IN PEACE Daveigh Chase, 1990 - 2026
REST IN PEACE Daveigh Chase, 1990 - 2026
Daveigh Chase, who was best known for her childhood roles as Lilo from "Lilo & Stitch," Chihiro from "Spirited Away," and acting as Samara Morgan in the US adaptation of "The Ring," has passed away. Daveigh's boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, reveals to TMZ that she died of meningitis and an infection in her blood. This infection caused septic issues, leading to her body shutting down. It was also known that she had been previously hospitalized early this month due to malnutrition.
The first known role that brought her to the spotlight was playing as Samantha Darko, the younger sister in "Donnie Darko," starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. She later picked up voice acting to star as Lilo from Disney's "Lilo & Stitch." In 2002, her portrayal as Samara from "The Ring" garnered her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. By 2006, she would land herself a role in HBO's "Big Love," where she played a supporting role. In 2009, she returned to her role as Samantha for "S.Darko," an ill-received sequel to the 2001 film. 
By 2016, Daveigh would step down from acting. Her last role was for a 2016 horror film, "Jack Goes Home." In that same year, she faced legal trouble over traffic misdemeanors and possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription, plus possession of drug paraphernalia. Her presence on social media also disappeared that same year.
May Daveigh be always remembered for her iconic roles that made our childhood joyful. Rest in Peace, Daveigh!

Related Tags

Arts and Culture Daveigh Chase Lilo & Stitch The Ring Donnie Darko
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