Once known for terrifying audiences as Samara in “The Ring” and voicing the lovable Lilo in Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch,” former child actress Daveigh Chase has faced a series of legal issues in recent years. From drug possession charges to more serious incidents, this article examines the troubled path of a once-promising Hollywood talent.
Daveigh Chase entered Hollywood at just 9 years old and quickly rose to fame with her breakout role as Samantha Darko in the 2001 cult classic “Donnie Darko.” She further cemented her place in pop culture when she portrayed the terrifying well-dwelling girl Samara in the 2002 horror film “The Ring” and voiced the titular character in Disney’s animated hit “Lilo and Stitch” that same year.
However, as Chase entered adulthood, her career trajectory took a different turn, accompanied by several brushes with law enforcement.
Multiple Drug-Related Arrests
In August 2018, Chase was arrested in Hollywood on a misdemeanor charge of possessing a controlled substance. She spent approximately two hours in jail before being released on a $1,000 bond.
Just months later, in November 2018, a judge issued a warrant for her arrest after officially charging her with two misdemeanors:
- Possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
This legal situation escalated in January 2019, when the then 28-year-old actress was arrested again in Hollywood on another misdemeanor charge. This time, Chase spent the night in jail before posting $6,000 bail the following morning.
Beyond drug-related charges, Chase has faced other serious legal issues:
Stolen Vehicle Incident
In November 2017, Chase was arrested and charged with a felony for driving without the owner’s consent after allegedly taking a joyride in a stolen BMW. Police pulled over the vehicle in Hollywood and discovered it had been reported stolen. Though Chase was a passenger rather than the driver, she was still booked for the offense with bail set at $25,000.
Hospital Incident
In February 2017, Chase was detained by LAPD detectives after she left a dying man outside a hospital. The man was pronounced dead shortly afterward from a suspected overdose. While investigating the incident, police discovered Chase had an outstanding misdemeanor traffic warrant, leading to her arrest.
It’s important to note that Chase was not named as a suspect in the man’s death. The actress claimed she was only trying to help the victim by bringing him to the hospital after spending time with him in the hours before his death.
Chase’s last known acting credit was a small part in the TV series “King of the Golden Sun” in 2018. Her social media activity noticeably decreased around the time of her November 2017 arrest, with her once-active Instagram account going silent.
Before her legal troubles, Chase maintained a recurring role in HBO’s Mormon drama “Big Love” as child bride Rhonda Volmer and reprised her role as Samantha Darko in the 2009 sequel “S. Darko.”
Chase’s story reflects a familiar pattern seen with other child actors who struggle with the transition to adult life in the spotlight. The pressure of early fame, the challenges of finding meaningful adult roles, and the abrupt shift in public perception can create difficult circumstances for young performers.
While Chase’s legal troubles have undoubtedly impacted her once-promising career, her talent remains undeniable. Fans of her work continue to hope for both personal recovery and a potential career resurgence for the actress who once captured hearts as Lilo and terrified audiences as Samara.
The entertainment industry has seen many talented young performers struggle with personal challenges as they mature. Chase’s situation serves as a reminder of the complex realities behind the glamorous façade of Hollywood and the often difficult journey from child stardom to adult life.
