Actress Daveigh Chase, Known for 'The Ring' and 'Lilo & Stitch', Dies at 35

Daveigh Chase, the former child actress best known for her chilling portrayal of Samara Morgan in the 2002 horror film 'The Ring' and for voicing Lilo in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch', has died at the age of 35. Her death was confirmed by her friend Roy Hernandez, who had recently set up a GoFundMe page to help cover her medical expenses.

Hernandez stated that Chase was diagnosed with meningitis and multiple serious blood infections, which led to septic complications and organ failure.

Daveigh Elizabeth Chase was born on July 24, 1990, in Las Vegas and grew up in Albany, Oregon. She began her acting career at age seven, appearing in commercials and on stage. By age eight, she had guest roles in series such as 'Sabrina, the Teenage Witch', 'Charmed', 'The Practice', and 'ER'. In 2001, she was cast as Samantha Darko in Richard Kelly's cult film 'Donnie Darko' alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

She also voiced Chihiro in the English dub of Studio Ghibli's 'Spirited Away'. However, her breakout role came in 2002 when she voiced Lilo in Disney's 'Lilo & Stitch' and played the vengeful ghost Samara in 'The Ring'. For her role as Samara, she won the Best Villain award at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards at just 12 years old.

From 2006 to 2011, Chase had a recurring role on HBO's 'Big Love' as the young sociopath Rhonda Volmer. In 2009, she reprised her role as Samantha Darko in the 'Donnie Darko' sequel 'S. Darko'. After starring in the 2016 horror film 'Jack Goes Home', Chase largely left the acting industry.

According to Hernandez, Chase faced several difficulties, including bullying and family conflicts, which made it hard for her to find stability and happiness in Los Angeles. Despite this, they managed to find moments of joy and hope until her recent health decline.