Daveigh Chase, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and ‘The Ring’ Voice Actor, Dies at 35

Daveigh Chase, the actor who voiced Lilo in Disney’s 2002 animated film “Lilo & Stitch” and portrayed Samara Morgan in the same year’s “The Ring,” has died. She was 35. Deadline reported that Chase died Tuesday from complications from meningitis.

Chase first entered public view as a child performer and later became widely known for two high-profile roles in 2002. In “Lilo & Stitch,” she provided the voice of Lilo, the central character in the story about family and belonging. In “The Ring,” she played the eerie antagonist Samara Morgan, a role that became a defining part of her adult recognition.

Deadline also reported that Chase received an MTV Movies Awards honor in 2002, being named Best Villain for her portrayal of Samara Morgan. The award recognition reflected how broadly the performance was discussed during the period when the film was released and circulated.

Meningitis, the condition cited in the report, is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Complications from the disease can be severe and can accelerate quickly in some cases, particularly among individuals with vulnerable health conditions, though the report did not provide additional medical details beyond the cause cited.

Chase’s death affects audiences who followed her work across both live-action and animation. “Lilo & Stitch” remains in ongoing view through subsequent home entertainment releases and continued audience interest, while “The Ring” has remained part of the mainstream horror catalogue since its initial run.

No details were included in the report about memorial arrangements, survivors, or an official statement from family or representatives. Deadline did not cite additional sources beyond its report, and additional confirmation from institutional or industry representatives was not immediately part of the published material.

The next steps in the wake of the death typically include updates to credit listings across studios and distribution platforms, as well as potential public statements from companies associated with the projects where Chase appeared or voiced characters. In this case, further information may also be sought about any ongoing work or rights-related matters tied to her performances, though none were reported in the coverage published Tuesday.