Daveigh Chase, the American actress best known for her chilling performance as Samara in Gore Verbinski’s horror film The Ring and for voicing Lilo in Disney’s animated feature Lilo & Stitch, has died at the age of 35. The cause of death has not been confirmed by her family representatives.
Born on 24 July 1990 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chase began her acting career at a young age, appearing in television series such as Charmed and ER. Her breakthrough came in 2002 when she was cast as the malevolent child ghost Samara Morgan in The Ring, a role that required her to articulate some of the most disturbing lines in modern horror cinema. The film became a commercial hit and is credited with sparking an American revival of Asian horror remakes.
In the same year, Chase voiced the titular character Lilo in Lilo & Stitch. The film, which explores themes of family and belonging, earned critical acclaim and remains a beloved classic in the Disney canon. Her vocal performance was praised for its emotional depth and authenticity.
Chase’s career also included stage work. She performed in the Broadway production of The Music Man opposite Craig Bierko. Her most recent on-screen credit was in the 2019 film The Last Black Man in San Francisco, in which she played a supporting role.
News of her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans. Hollywood mourning was led by director Gore Verbinski, who described Chase as “a profoundly talented young actress whose contribution to cinema will not be forgotten.” Jason Lee, who co-starred with her in the 2003 comedy Big Trouble, also expressed his condolences.
Chase is survived by her mother, a brother, and a sister. Plans for a private funeral are being made. Her body of work, though relatively small, left a significant impact on two generations of filmgoers. The abrupt end to her life at 35 stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of fame and the fleeting nature of human achievement.
