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'The Ring' and 'Lilo & Stitch' star Daveigh Chase dies at 35
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Actress Daveigh Chase, best known for her chilling portrayal of Samara Morgan in the horror film The Ring and as the voice of Lilo in Disney's animated Lilo & Stitch, has died. She was 35.
According to reports, Daveigh died from sepsis following a bout with meningitis while confined in a Los Angeles hospital. Her longtime manager, John Ryan Jr., confirmed the news to BBC News.
Ryan said the former child star had been hospitalized due to malnourishment prior to her death.
Before her death, Daveigh's boyfriend Roy Hernandez set up a GoFundMe campaign titled "Help Daveigh Chase find comfort and peace," after being told by Daveigh's doctor that she didn't have much time left.
Daveigh began her career at a young age, starting in theater and voiceover work in Las Vegas when she was around four years old. She later moved into television and landed her first Hollywood role at age seven with a guest appearance on the popular sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Her breakthrough came in 2001 when she appeared in the cult classic Donnie Darko as Samantha Darko. She would later reprise the role in the 2009 sequel, S. Darko.
In 2002, Chase became a horror icon after portraying Samara Morgan in The Ring, the American adaptation of the Japanese horror film about a cursed videotape. Her haunting performance as the long-haired ghost who emerges from a television screen earned widespread recognition and helped cement the movie's place in horror film history.
The role earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2003.
Beyond horror, Daveigh was also beloved by audiences as the voice of Lilo Pelekai in Disney's animated film Lilo & Stitch, introducing her to a new generation of fans through the story of a young Hawaiian girl and her unlikely extraterrestrial friend.
She also appeared in the television drama Big Love and worked steadily throughout her childhood and teenage years before stepping away from full-time acting in 2015, according to her manager.
Later in life, Daveigh faced several legal troubles that drew media attention, including reported arrests related to drug possession and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
She is remembered for a career that spanned more than two decades and for creating two of the most memorable characters in both horror and family entertainment.
Meanwhile, remember these local legends and budding stars from film, television, music, sports, and social media who have gone too soon in this gallery.
