Daveigh Chase (July 24, 1990 – June 16, 2026) was an American actress and voice artist best known for voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and portraying the terrifying Samara Morgan in The Ring. A talented child star, she also gained recognition for her roles in Donnie Darko and the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning animated film Spirited Away.
Chase rose to fame in the early 2000s and became one of the most recognizable young actresses of her generation. Despite her success, her later years were marked by personal struggles and a prolonged absence from the entertainment industry.
She passed away on June 16, 2026, at the age of 35 following complications related to meningitis and severe bloodstream infections that led to sepsis.
Early Life
Born Daveigh Elizabeth Chase-Schwallier on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, she was the daughter of Cathy Chase and John Schwallier.
Following her parents’ divorce, Chase moved with her mother to Albany, Oregon, where she spent most of her childhood. She adopted her mother’s maiden name professionally and grew up alongside her younger half-brother, Cade, and several other half-siblings from her parents’ later marriages.
Career
Early Television Appearances
Chase made her television debut in 1998 with a guest appearance on Sabrina the Teenage Witch. She soon landed roles in popular television series including Charmed, The Practice, ER, and Family Law.
Breakthrough With Donnie Darko
Her breakout role came in 2001 when she portrayed Samantha Darko, the younger sister of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character in the cult classic Donnie Darko.
Although the film struggled at the box office initially, it later became a critically acclaimed cult favorite, helping introduce Chase to a wider audience.
Voice Acting Success
Also in 2001, Chase voiced Chihiro Ogino in the English-language version of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. The film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and remains one of the most celebrated animated films of all time.
In 2002, Chase achieved international fame after voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. Her heartfelt and energetic performance earned praise from critics and audiences alike.
The film was a major commercial success, grossing more than $273 million worldwide. Chase later won an Annie Award for Outstanding Voice Acting and continued voicing Lilo in Stitch! The Movie and Lilo & Stitch: The Series.
Becoming a Horror Icon
The same year, Chase starred as Samara Morgan in the supernatural horror hit The Ring.
Her chilling portrayal of the cursed child became one of the most memorable performances in modern horror cinema. The role earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2003 and cemented her place in pop culture history.
Later Career
Throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, Chase continued acting in film and television.
Some of her notable projects included:
- Oliver Beene
- Beethoven’s 5th
- Carolina
- Big Love
- S. Darko
- Yellow
- Killer Crush
- American Romance
- Jack Goes Home
Her final credited acting work came in 2016, including roles in American Romance, Jack Goes Home, and the video game Let It Die.
Movies and TV Shows
Some of Daveigh Chase’s most notable works include:
- Donnie Darko (2001)
- Spirited Away (2001)
- Lilo & Stitch (2002)
- The Ring (2002)
- Stitch! The Movie (2003)
- Beethoven’s 5th (2003)
- The Ring Two (2005)
- S. Darko (2009)
- Yellow (2012)
- Little Red Wagon (2012)
- American Romance (2016)
- Jack Goes Home (2016)
Personal Life
In her later years, Chase largely withdrew from public life.
Reports following her death indicated that she faced several personal challenges, including estrangement from family members and periods of instability. Despite these struggles, those who knew her often remembered her as a talented and compassionate person whose performances left a lasting impact on audiences.
Cause of Death
In June 2026, Chase was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital after suffering from severe malnutrition. During her hospitalization, doctors diagnosed her with meningitis and multiple serious bloodstream infections.
Her condition deteriorated rapidly, eventually leading to sepsis, septic shock, and organ failure. She died on June 16, 2026, at the age of 35. The news was later confirmed by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, and reported by multiple media outlets.
Daveigh Chase Net Worth
At the time of her death, Daveigh Chase’s estimated net worth was reported to be approximately $100,000.
Although she achieved significant success as a child actress through major projects such as Lilo & Stitch, The Ring, and Spirited Away, reports suggested that she faced financial and personal difficulties later in life.
Legacy
Daveigh Chase leaves behind a remarkable legacy as one of Hollywood’s most memorable child stars. Whether audiences remember her as the lovable voice of Lilo, the brave Chihiro, or the haunting Samara Morgan, her performances continue to resonate with fans around the world.
Her work helped define a generation of family entertainment and horror cinema, ensuring that her impact on popular culture will not be forgotten.
