Los Angeles, California — Former child star Daveigh Chase passed away on June 16 at the age of 35, succumbing to complications from meningitis in a local hospital. This tragic news comes after a series of personal difficulties that culminated in her hospitalization due to severe malnutrition, as confirmed by her long-time manager, John Ryan Jr., and her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez.
Chase’s battle for her health became increasingly difficult leading up to her death. Hernandez explained that an infection in her bloodstream generated septic issues, ultimately leading to organ failure. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by Hernandez sought to raise funds for Chase’s medical expenses, aiming for $5,500. By the time of her death, the campaign had garnered $1,300.
Ryan recalled Chase as a person who distanced herself from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. He described her as fiercely devoted to animal rescue and content in her quiet life, often choosing the classic diner Bob’s Big Boy over more upscale venues. While Chase maintained residences in both Nevada and downtown Los Angeles, she often sought refuge in Las Vegas, favoring independent films over major studio productions. She officially retired from acting in 2015, opting for a life away from the public eye.
Born on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chase initially gained fame through her memorable performances, notably as the voice of Lilo in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” and as the unnerving Samara Morgan in “The Ring.” Her journey in entertainment began at just four years old, doing voiceover work, and she achieved significant recognition after appearing in the cult classic “Donnie Darko” in 2001.
2002 marked a pivotal year for Chase as she garnered industry accolades for her role in “Lilo & Stitch,” winning an Annie Award for her voice performance. That same year, she delivered a chilling portrayal of Samara, a role that would haunt audiences, earning her the 2003 MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. “It is not a typical character. Usually, they are looking for a happy-go-lucky kid, but Samara was pretty interesting to play,” she said in a past interview, showcasing her trademark enthusiasm for taking on challenging roles.
In addition to her prominent film performances, Chase voiced Chihiro Ogino in the English version of Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed film “Spirited Away.” Her television credits included guest appearances on shows like “Charmed” and “ER,” and she achieved a recurring role on HBO’s “Big Love,” playing a young character with a dark edge.
After making appearances in thrillers such as “Jack Goes Home” in 2016, Chase retreated from the acting world and disappeared from the public eye by 2017. Sadly, her later years were marked by personal struggles, including legal issues that resulted in multiple arrests for drug possession and other incidents.
Reports indicate that friends had been searching for her in the challenging environment of Los Angeles’s Skid Row prior to her hospitalization. Behind the scenes, Chase’s life had been riddled with challenges, revealing the stark contrast between her on-screen successes and personal hardships. Hernandez noted that Chase dealt with adversities stemming from a troubled upbringing, expressing the promise he made to protect her and provide the love she deserved.
As the film and television community mourns the loss of Daveigh Chase, her legacy lives on in the iconic roles that captured the hearts of fans and her impact on the entertainment industry remains indelible.