Lilo & Stitch star Daveigh Chase had 'millions' in unclaimed residuals before death, manager claims
Daveigh Chase had ‘millions of dollars’ in residuals lying unclaimed in an account before her tragic death, her longtime manager has said.
Chase sadly passed away on Tuesday 16 June, boyfriend Roy Hernandez confirmed to TMZ. She was just 35.
According to Hernandez, Chase died after contracting meningitis and a blood infection that developed into fatal sepsis.
Chase began her career in 1998, with a part in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, before landing her breakout role in the 2001 flick Donnie Darko.
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She’s best known for providing the voice of Lilo in the 2002 Disney movie Lilo & Stitch, and reprised the role for a couple of sequels and the spin-off series.
Chase also played the role of antagonist Samara Morgan in the 2002 USS remake of The Ring, and had roles in Carolina, Yellow and American Romance.
In later years, Chase remained out of the spotlight, last appearing on screen in 2016, and last posting on social media in 2017.
Chase’s former manager John Ryan Jr told The New York Post that for more than a decade, he’d had SAG-AFTRA notices sent to his office reporting unclaimed residual cheques for Chase.
Ryan told the outlet that Chase had amassed ‘millions of dollars’ in unclaimed residuals and said he had attempted to get in touch with the actor multiple times over the years.
He told the publication that it's usually the next of kin who can collect residuals after an actor has passed away.
Speaking to the BBC, Ryan paid tribute to Chase, saying: "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."
Chase’s tragic passing came just days after her boyfriend launched a GoFundMe to help give her a ‘sense of peace in her final days’.
“Daveigh Chase, my girlfriend, has always been a light in my life,” Hernandez wrote on the fundraising page.
"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 went on to reveal her recent health issues, writing: "Daveigh was diagnosed with meningitis and several serious blood infections. Her condition has become critical, and the doctors have told me she may not have much time left.
"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."
Claire Reid