A Voice That Defined a Generation
For millions, she was the voice of childhood. For others, she was the face of their nightmares.
Daveigh Chase captured the hearts of a generation as the voice of Lilo in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” and terrified them as Samara in “The Ring.” But behind the Hollywood success was a life marked by hardship. On June 16, 2026, Daveigh Chase passed away at just 35 years old.
Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, confirmed her death, revealing she succumbed to meningitis and a severe blood infection that led to sepsis and multiple organ failure.
From Child Star to Hollywood Icon
The Roles That Defined Her
Born in 1990, Chase found fame early. In 2002, she simultaneously voiced Lilo in the Disney film and portrayed the terrifying Samara Morgan in “The Ring,” earning an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
She also lent her voice to the English dub of Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away” and played Samantha Darko in “Donnie Darko.” Her career included a major role as Rhonda Volmer in the HBO series “Big Love,” appearing in 32 episodes.
A Life Behind the Scenes
The Hard Times
While her career seemed to soar, Chase faced personal struggles. Hernandez wrote in a GoFundMe campaign that she endured a “difficult childhood,” a “painful falling out with her family,” and bullying.
She struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown L.A. before meeting Hernandez. She also faced legal issues later in life, including a 2017 arrest for joyriding in a stolen vehicle.
Why This Matters Now
The Dark Side of Fame
Daveigh Chase’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by child actors. The transition from early fame to adult life can be brutal, and Chase’s later years were shadowed by hardship, malnutrition, and health battles.
She was hospitalized earlier in June for malnutrition before falling critically ill.
Her Lasting Legacy
Ohana Means Family
Despite the tragedy, Chase’s work remains timeless. “Lilo & Stitch” taught us that “Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” Her voice brought that message to life.
In 2009, she told Interview Magazine, “I want to do things that will change someone’s life, not something they’ll forget about tomorrow.” She achieved that goal.
Even in her final days, Hernandez noted her simple wish: “All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy.”