Actress Daveigh Chase, "The Ring's" Samara Morgan, dies at 35

Daveigh Chase, the actress who brought the chilling Samara Morgan to life in the 2002 horror film "The Ring," has died at the age of 35. Her passing in June 2026 was attributed to sepsis resulting from meningitis, as confirmed by her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez.

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Samara was a very interesting character to play. I took my voice and gave it that creepy twist.

Chase gained international recognition for her portrayal of the iconic, long-haired ghost in the American remake of the Japanese classic. Her performance earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2003. Beyond "The Ring," she was also beloved for voicing the character Lilo in Disney's animated hit "Lilo & Stitch" and for her role in the drama series "Big Love."

Her manager and friend of 15 years, John Ryan Jr., described Chase as a private person who loved cats and was involved in their rescue. He noted her preference for working on independent projects over mainstream studio films, stating, "She wasn't a typical Hollywood person." Chase often retreated to her Las Vegas home, eschewing the spotlight and preferring simple outings over the glitz of fame.

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She was the best. She loved cats and worked with us on their rescue. She was a very private person.

Chase began her acting career at the young age of four, securing her first Hollywood role at seven. She achieved a significant breakthrough in 2001 with her role as Samantha Darko in the cult film "Donnie Darko." Despite her early success and talent, she largely withdrew from acting in 2015. In her later years, Chase faced personal and legal challenges, including drug possession charges and driving a stolen vehicle. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated by her partner to help cover medical expenses prior to her death.

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She wasn't a typical Hollywood person. She'd rather eat at a regular restaurant and go home to her cats. She loved acting, but she wasn't interested in the world of fame.