Former child actor Daveigh Chase, the iconic original voice behind Disney’s hit animated feature Lilo and Stitch, passed away at the age of 35. Her father, John David Schwallier, confirmed that she died on June 16, 2026, at a hospital in Los Angeles. Millions of fans worldwide remember her standout performance as Lilo Pelekai alongside her various live-action Hollywood roles.
A Tragic Health Battle and Personal Hardships
Medical reports reveal that the young actress suffered a sudden and severe health crisis. Doctors initially admitted her to a Los Angeles hospital earlier this month due to malnutrition. Her condition rapidly deteriorated after she contracted bacterial meningitis and a severe blood infection. These aggressive infections triggered septic shock, causing her body and major organs to shut down.
Her father shared that Chase faced intense personal struggles and battled addiction since the age of 13. She had been severely estranged from her divorced parents for many years. She experienced prolonged homelessness on the streets of Los Angeles, living destitute alongside her boyfriend near the hospital. Her boyfriend noted that she faced severe bullying in downtown Los Angeles while trying to find safety.
A Surprising Legacy and Untouched Residuals
Her long-term career setup left behind a surprising and heartbreaking financial contrast. Her childhood contract with Disney granted her ongoing cuts of global merchandise sales and continuous character usage. She also earned substantial residuals from her popular voice roles over the decades. These massive, completely untouched funds sat safely in a secure union trust account during her final, difficult years.
Celebrating Her Iconic Hollywood Career
Disney fans know her best as the original voice of Lilo Pelekai in the 2002 animated classic Lilo and Stitch. The young actress reprised the spirited role for multiple movie sequels and television spin-offs. Audiences also remember her performance as the lead character Chihiro Ogino in the celebrated English version of Spirited Away.
Mainstream success followed her into major live-action Hollywood projects as well. Her terrifying portrayal of the ghost girl Samara Morgan in the hit horror film The Ring earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. Later television roles included playing the recurring character Rhonda Volmer across 32 episodes of the hit HBO drama Big Love.
To keep up to date on all the latest Disney news and more, be sure to follow Disney Dorks on Facebook!