The Disney community is mourning the loss of actress and voice star Daveigh Chase, best known for bringing Lilo Pelekai to life in Disney’s beloved animated classic Lilo & Stitch. Chase has died at the age of 35, according to reports published Wednesday.
Chase’s boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, told media outlets that the actress died Tuesday following complications from meningitis and a severe blood infection that led to sepsis. Reports indicate she had also been hospitalized earlier this month due to malnutrition.
Born in Las Vegas on July 24, 1990, Chase became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable child stars in 2002 thanks to a remarkable one-two punch of performances. That same year, she voiced Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and terrified audiences as Samara Morgan in the horror classic The Ring.
Beyond her Disney and horror success, Chase also voiced Chihiro in the English-language version of Spirited Away and appeared in projects including Donnie Darko and the HBO series Big Love. She later reprised her role as Lilo in several sequels and the television series based on the Disney franchise.
For Disney fans, Chase’s portrayal of Lilo helped create one of animation’s most authentic and beloved young characters. Her performance captured the loneliness, humor, and resilience that made Lilo & Stitch an enduring favorite for generations.
Source: Variety, Entertainment Weekly, The Guardian.
