Actor Daveigh Chase, famous for voicing Lilo in Disney’s beloved animated film “Lilo & Stitch,” passed away at the age of 35 this week. The tragic news was confirmed by her father, John David Schwallier, who stated that Chase succumbed to complications stemming from meningitis and a blood infection at a hospital in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Reports indicate that Chase, who had been living with her boyfriend near the hospital, had been battling malnutrition and was hospitalized since early June. Apart from her iconic role in “Lilo & Stitch” in 2002, she lent her voice to various spinoffs of the film and portrayed the lead character in Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed animated movie “Spirited Away.”
Hailing from Las Vegas, Chase had a diverse acting career, appearing in films such as “Donnie Darko” in 2001 and the Hollywood remake of “The Ring” in 2002. She received accolades for her work, winning the 2002 Annie Award for best young artist for her performance in “Lilo & Stitch” and the 2003 MTV Movie Award for best villain for her role in “The Ring.”
Throughout her career, Chase also made appearances in television series like “Big Love” and had guest spots on popular shows such as “ER,” “Touched by an Angel,” “Family Law,” and “Without a Trace.” Her last credited screen appearance was in the 2016 film “American Romance.”
Prior to her untimely passing, Chase’s boyfriend initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her medical expenses. He expressed their shared desire for safety and happiness, highlighting the challenges Chase faced and the support he aimed to provide. The campaign garnered substantial support, raising over $4,000 US within the first day following her demise.