The passing of Daveigh Chase has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Once one of the industry's most celebrated child actresses, she starred in several acclaimed films and television shows. From Donnie Darko to lending her voice to Chihiro in the Studio Ghibli classic Spirited Away, Chase became a household name before her sudden disappearance from the spotlight and public attention. 

As fans remember the actress and her remarkable career, her boyfriend has opened up about the time after she stepped away from Hollywood.

Daveigh Chase suddenly disappeared from Hollywood in 2016. Her last film was American Romance, released that same year, and she did not take on any acting projects after that year. However, she made headlines several times in the following years due to her legal troubles.

As per TMZ, Chase was questioned by police in 2017 after dropping an injured man at a hospital and leaving, though authorities said she was not a suspect in his death. She was arrested on an outstanding warrant at the time and was later arrested again that year for allegedly driving a stolen vehicle. After her death, her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, in a GoFundMe post, explained how the actress struggled during his life after 2016.

“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,” he wrote in the GoFundMe post. 

“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,” he wrote in her memory. As per TMZ, Daveigh Chase passed away from meningitis and a blood infection. She passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 35. Although she stepped away from Hollywood at a young age in 2016, she left behind an impressive body of work. 

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Here is a closer look at some of the most memorable movies of her career.

Daveigh Chase began her acting career before the age of 10, appearing in television series such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Charmed, The Practice, ER, and Touched by an Angel. She made her film debut in 2001 as Samantha Darko in Donnie Darko, and reprised the role in the 2009 sequel S. Darko. In the same year, she voiced Chihiro in the English dub of Studio Ghibli's movie, Spirited Away.

She won the Annie Award for Outstanding Voice Acting for her performance as the voice of Lilo Pelekai in Disney's Lilo & Stitch. Her performance as Samara in The Ring saw her win the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain. She later starred as Rhonda Volmer in HBO's Big Love, appearing in 32 episodes until the series concluded in 2011. Chase's unforgettable performances will continue to live on through the characters she played throughout his career.

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What do you think of Daveigh Chase's behind the scenes struggles? Let us know in the comments.