Actress Daveigh Chase who played iconic role in The Ring as a child dies aged just 35
Daveigh Chase, the horror actress known for crawling out of a TV in The Ring, has tragically died aged just 35 years old.
The American star, who played Samara Morgan in the classic 2002 horror film, also voiced Lilo in Disney’s animated Lilo & Stitch.
Chase died from sepsis after suffering from meningitis and being admitted to a Los Angeles hospital, the BBC reports.
The actress's longtime manager, John Ryan Jr, confirmed the sad news to the broadcaster on Wednesday (17 June).
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He also confirmed that she was in the hospital for malnourishment before her death.
Paying tribute, Ryan said, “She was the greatest. She loved cats. She worked with cat rescues with us. She was very to herself.
"She was not very Hollywood. She'd rather eat at Bob's Big Boy and go home with the cats. She loved acting but wasn't into the fame scene.”
He explained that the star would turn down big studio films to do independent projects instead, while frequently retreating to her home in Las Vegas in years-long stints.
Chase entered the world of Hollywood at just seven years old, but retired from acting full-time in 2015, after appearing in the likes of Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Donnie Darko.
Her most well-known role, though, was of course, her creepy role in The Ring, which saw her spookily crawling on her hands and feet before killing her victims.
Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, set up a GoFundMe page in the days prior to her death, describing the star as a ‘light in his life,’ who ‘faced more than her share of hardship’.
He wrote: “Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life. Many people know her as a talented childhood actor from 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'Spirited Away,' and 'Donnie Darko.'
“But behind the scenes, she’s faced more than her share of hardship. After a difficult childhood and a painful falling out with her family, Daveigh was bullied and struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown LA.
“When we met, I promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved. Together, we found moments of happiness and hope.”
Hernandez said that recently, ‘everything changed’ as Daveigh was diagnosed with ‘meningitis and several serious blood infections’.
He said that her condition has become critical, and doctors told him that ‘she may not have much time left’.
Hernandez added, “ All she ever wanted was a place where we could live together, feel safe, and be happy. Now, more than ever, I want to give her that sense of home and peace in her final days.
“I understand we all go through things, but if you can help, I will be really grateful for anything. And if you can only give a prayer, I will take that too. Thank you for considering helping us during this difficult time.”
The fundraiser, which sits at $3,900 at the time of writing, has not been updated since the star’s passing.
Topics: Entertainment, News, Celebrity, TV And Film, US News
Madison Burgess