Actor Daveigh Chase, best known for voicing Lilo in the popular Disney movie “Lilo & Stitch,” passed away at 35 this week. The sad news was confirmed by her father, John David Schwallier, who disclosed that Chase succumbed to complications from meningitis and a blood infection at a hospital in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Reportedly, Chase had been homeless and residing with her boyfriend near the hospital where she ultimately passed away. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, shared with TMZ that she had been hospitalized since early June due to malnutrition.
In addition to her notable role in “Lilo & Stitch” in 2002, Chase also lent her voice to various spinoffs of the film and provided the English voice for the main character in the Academy Award-winning animated movie “Spirited Away” by Hayao Miyazaki. Hailing from Las Vegas, Chase appeared in numerous film and TV projects, including “Donnie Darko” (2001) and the Hollywood adaptation of the Japanese horror film “The Ring” (2002).
Her talent was recognized with awards such as 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 also had recurring roles in the HBO series “Big Love” and made guest appearances on several TV shows.
Before her untimely passing, Chase’s boyfriend initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist her during her hospital stay. The campaign garnered over $4,000 US in donations, mostly within the initial 24 hours following her demise. Hernandez expressed their challenging journey together, highlighting Chase’s desire for safety, happiness, and a place to call home.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of this talented actress who left a lasting impact on audiences through her diverse performances on screen.
