Daveigh Chase, voice of Lilo and 'The Ring's' Samara, dies at 35

Daveigh Chase, the actress who lent her voice to Lilo Pelekai in Disney's animated film "Lilo & Stitch" and portrayed the chilling Samara Morgan in "The Ring," has died at the age of 35. Chase passed away on June 16, 2026, at a hospital in Los Angeles from septic shock, a condition resulting from meningitis and a blood infection.

Born Daveigh Elizabeth Chase on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, her breakout role came in 2002 when she voiced the character of Lilo. This performance earned her an Annie Award in 2003 and led to her starring role in the subsequent series, "Lilo & Stitch: The Series."

Chase also voiced the main character, Chihiro Ogino, in the American dub of the Japanese anime film "Spirited Away." In 2002, she took on the role of Samara Morgan in the feature film "The Ring," a performance that garnered her the award for Best Villain at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards.

Her death marks the end of a career that began at a young age and left a memorable impact on popular culture through her distinct voice work and acting performances.