American actress Daveigh Chase, widely recognized for her memorable roles in The Ring and Lilo & Stitch, has passed away at the age of 35. The news was confirmed by her longtime manager and close friend, John Ryan Jr., in a statement to BBC on June 17, 2026.
Daveigh Chase dies at 35
According to Ryan, Chase passed away on June 16, 2026, following multiple health-related complications. Paying tribute to the actress, he remembered her as a deeply private person who had a special affection for animals.
“She was an incredible person. She adored cats and actively participated in rescue efforts with us. She preferred a quiet life and often kept to herself,” Ryan shared.
He also revealed that Chase spent much of her time away from Hollywood at her home in Las Vegas and frequently chose to work on independent projects rather than pursuing larger studio productions.
Her unforgettable impact in The Ring
Chase rose to international fame in 2002 when she portrayed Samara Morgan in The Ring, the American remake of the acclaimed Japanese horror film. Her chilling performance as the mysterious child spirit became one of the most iconic horror portrayals of the decade.
The role earned her widespread acclaim and won her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2003.
The beloved voice behind Lilo
In the same year, Chase showcased her versatility by voicing Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s animated hit Lilo & Stitch. Her portrayal of the energetic and lovable young girl won the hearts of audiences worldwide and earned her an Annie Award for Outstanding Voice Acting in an Animated Feature.
She later returned to the character in several spin-off films and television series connected to the franchise.
A career beyond animation and horror
Apart from her success in The Ring and Lilo & Stitch, Chase also voiced Chihiro Ogino in the English dub of the Academy Award-winning animated masterpiece Spirited Away.
Her television credits included appearances in popular series such as Charmed, ER, and Touched by an Angel. She was also praised for her recurring role as Rhonda Volmer in HBO’s critically acclaimed drama Big Love.
Daveigh Chase leaves behind a remarkable body of work that touched audiences across film, television, and animation, ensuring her legacy will continue to be remembered for years to come.
