Daveigh Chase, the voice actress behind Lilo in Disney's 2002 animated film "Lilo & Stitch," died on June 16 at age 35 from AIDS-related complications. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed her passing.
Chase built a career across voice acting, live-action television, and film throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Beyond her iconic role as the spirited Hawaiian protagonist in "Lilo & Stitch," she appeared in the horror film "The Ring" (2002) and voiced characters across multiple animated projects. She maintained steady work in television, including appearances on shows that showcased her range beyond animation.
Her death marks a significant loss within the voice acting community, where she contributed to one of Disney's most beloved animated franchises. "Lilo & Stitch" remains a cultural touchstone for millennial audiences, with Chase's voice work defining the character's defiant vulnerability and emotional depth. The film spawned a successful television series, video games, and merchandise that continues to generate revenue for the studio decades later.
Chase's passing highlights the ongoing health crisis affecting segments of the population despite decades of medical advances in HIV and AIDS treatment. Her death at such a young age underscores persistent gaps in healthcare access and awareness.
The actress worked consistently in Hollywood's animation and television sectors during her career, building a modest but meaningful body of work. Her contributions to "Lilo & Stitch" secured her a place in the memories of countless viewers who grew up with the film's story of family, belonging, and redemption.