Daveigh Chase, the actress who emerged from the horror classic The Ring and provided the voice for Disney’s animated beloved Lilo & Stitch, has died aged 35 after a short period of severe illness, the woman’s longtime manager confirmed Wednesday.
Ryan said Chase succumbed to sepsis following a bout of meningitis at a Los Angeles hospital. Prior to her death she was admitted for malnourishment and had been battling the symptoms of a serious brain infection.
Chase began acting at age four, with her first Hollywood job booked at 7. Her most iconic performances include the terrifying Samara Morgan in The Ring (2002), Sam in Donnie Darko (2001), and sharing the spotlight in the HBO drama Big Love, where she played child bride Rhonda Volmer.
Beyond film, Chase lent her voice to numerous television spots, and her portrayal of Lilo earned an Annie Award for best voice acting in an animated feature. She famously declined major studio roles to focus on independent projects, often retreating to her homes in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
The actress’s management also revealed that throughout her life she had legal troubles, including drug possession charges and a joy‑riding incident involving a stolen vehicle.
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