Former child actress and voice actress Daveigh Chase, known for her roles in Disney's Lilo & Stitch and The Ring, died at the age of 35 earlier this month. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office has officially ruled the cause of death as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with chronic polysubstance use listed as a secondary cause.
Despite having millions of dollars in unclaimed residuals, Chase died while homeless in Los Angeles. A former manager of Chase's, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the actress had never collected the money due to her struggles with addiction.
Chase's rise to prominence began in the early 2000s, when she voiced the lead character Lilo in Disney's animated hit Lilo & Stitch, as well as in follow-ups including Stitch! The Movie, Lilo & Stitch: The Series on Disney Channel, and Leroy & Stitch.
She also appeared in several films, including The Ring and Donnie Darko, and played a recurring role on HBO's Big Love. Her career largely slowed down around 2016, after which she struggled with homelessness and addiction.
Chase's father, John David Schwallier, stated that she had been homeless and struggled with drugs since the age of 13, and that he had not spoken with her in many years. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, wrote in a GoFundMe campaign that he had promised to protect her and give her the love and comfort she deserved, but that she had struggled to find safety and happiness in downtown L.A.
The coroner's official findings were released on Monday, bringing closure to Chase's loved ones and fans. Despite her struggles and untimely death, Chase's legacy as a talented young actress will be remembered for years to come.
Chase's story has also raised questions about the treatment of child stars and the impact of fame on their mental and physical well-being. Her struggles with addiction and homelessness are a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry.
