Lilo & Stitch voice actress Daveigh Chase dies aged 35

Daveigh Chase, the voice of Lilo in Disney's beloved animated film *Lilo & Stitch*, has passed away at the age of 35. Her death came after a prolonged battle with health complications, including bacterial meningitis and a blood infection, according to her father, John David Schwallier, who shared the news with the *New York Times*. Chase died in a hospital in Los Angeles, marking the end of a career that spanned both animation and live-action roles, though much of her professional life was overshadowed by personal struggles.

Born in 1991, Chase first gained recognition as a child actor when she was just 11 years old. At that age, she lent her voice to the iconic character of Lilo in *Lilo & Stitch*, which was released in 2002 and quickly became a box office success. The film, which blends heartwarming storytelling with humor and emotional depth, remains one of Disney's most cherished works from the 2000s. Chase continued to provide the voice of Lilo for subsequent television episodes, video games, and even a live-action remake released in 2025. Her contribution to the franchise helped solidify her place in pop culture history.

Beyond *Lilo & Stitch*, Chase's voice work extended to other notable projects. She voiced Chihiro, the lead character in Studio Ghibli’s *Spirited Away*, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. This role further highlighted her versatility as a performer, showcasing her ability to bring depth and emotion to characters in both Western and Japanese animation. In addition to her voice acting, Chase had a presence in live-action cinema, appearing in films such as *Donnie Darko* and *The Ring*. In *The Ring*, she portrayed Samara Morgan, a chilling antagonist whose appearance—crawling out of a television with her long black hair concealing her face—became one of the most memorable horror scenes of the early 2000s. For this role, she was awarded the Best Villain prize at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards.

Chase’s early career included appearances in commercials and minor roles in television dramas. She played Samantha Darko, the younger sister of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character in *Donnie Darko*, and later reprised the role in *S. Darko*. Her performances often showcased a mix of vulnerability and intensity, reflecting the challenges she faced off-screen. However, her public persona was marked by a turbulent personal life. According to her father, Chase struggled with drug use beginning at age 13 and experienced homelessness while living in Los Angeles. These difficulties were compounded by a strained relationship with her family, which reportedly contributed to her sense of isolation and instability.

Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, took to a fundraising website to share details about her condition and the hardships she endured. He described how their relationship offered moments of solace amid her struggles, noting that they found "moments of happiness and hope" together. Despite these efforts, Chase’s health deteriorated rapidly, leading to her untimely death. Her passing has sparked widespread mourning among fans of her work, particularly within the animation and horror communities, where her contributions left a lasting impact.

As the entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented performer, attention will likely shift toward the legacy of her work. *Lilo & Stitch* continues to resonate with audiences, and its enduring popularity underscores the significance of Chase’s voice in shaping the character of Lilo. Meanwhile, her role in *Spirited Away* and *The Ring* remains a testament to her range as an actress. Moving forward, discussions around her life and career may also include conversations about mental health, substance abuse, and the challenges faced by young actors in Hollywood. As tributes continue to pour in, the memory of Daveigh Chase will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those who admired her talent and the stories she brought to life.