Daveigh Chase, the actress who scared a generation as the ghostly Samara in 'The Ring' and voiced the mischievous Lilo in 'Lilo & Stitch', has died at the age of 35. Sources close to the family confirmed the news this afternoon, though the cause of death has not been released. Chase's body was discovered at her Los Angeles residence early this morning. Emergency services were called but she was pronounced dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected, but an autopsy is scheduled. Chase was 35 years old.
Chase began her career as a child actress, landing the role of Lilo in Disney's 2002 animated hit 'Lilo & Stitch'. She later terrified audiences as the ghostly Samara in the 2002 horror film 'The Ring', an American remake of the Japanese classic. Chase also voiced characters in 'Spirited Away' and 'The Cat Returns' for the English dubs. She played Rhonda on HBO's 'Big Love' and had roles in 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' and 'Without a Trace'. Her IMDB credits span 42 acting roles, but she had largely stepped away from the spotlight in recent years.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues. Disney called her a 'talented voice and a bright spirit'. Director Gore Verbinski, who helmed 'The Ring', said: 'She brought a haunting innocence to Samara. This is devastating'. Her family released a statement asking for privacy as they grieve.
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