Actor Daveigh Chase, renowned for voicing Lilo in the popular Disney film “Lilo & Stitch,” passed away at 35 years old this week. The demise occurred in Los Angeles due to complications from meningitis and a blood infection. Her father, John David Schwallier, disclosed this information to The New York Times. Chase, who had been homeless and residing with her boyfriend near the hospital, passed away on Tuesday.
According to her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, she had been hospitalized since early June for malnutrition treatment. Besides her notable role in “Lilo & Stitch” in 2002, she lent her voice to various spinoffs of the movie and also voiced the main character in Hayao Miyazaki’s award-winning animated film “Spirited Away.”
Originally from Las Vegas, Chase appeared in numerous films and TV shows, such as “Donnie Darko” in 2001 alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and as the antagonist Samara opposite Naomi Watts in the 2002 remake of the Japanese horror film “The Ring.” She received the 2002 Annie Award for best young artist for her work in “Lilo & Stitch” and the 2003 MTV Movie Award for best villain for her role in “The Ring.”
Chase had a recurring role in all five seasons of the HBO series “Big Love” and made guest appearances on shows like “ER,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Family Law,” and “Without a Trace.” Her last known screen appearance was in the 2016 film “American Romance.”
Before her passing, Chase’s boyfriend had initiated a GoFundMe campaign to aid her during her hospitalization. Hernandez expressed their challenging journey together, detailing how Chase sought safety and contentment after facing hardships and estrangement from her family. The campaign managed to raise over $4,000 US within the initial 24 hours post her demise.
