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Actress Daveigh Chase Dies at 35; Gilbert Warns Stage Parents

7/2/2026

Summary

Melissa Gilbert Warns

Melissa Gilbert announced that actress Daveigh Chase died on June 16 at age 35.
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner determined the death resulted from AIDS and chronic polysubstance use.
Gilbert warned that over-involved stage parents can harm children and urged parents to ensure acting matches the child’s desire.
She advised tracking earnings, maintaining a life outside the industry, and remembering Chase’s story to prevent similar tragedies.

Summary

Daveigh Chase Dies

Daveigh Chase was found dead on June 16 in Los Angeles while homeless and living with her boyfriend.
John David Schwallier said she suffered bacterial meningitis, a blood infection, was estranged from divorced parents, and had used drugs since age 13.
She was born in Las Vegas, raised in Albany, Oregon, began performing at age 3, voiced Lilo and a lead in “Spirited Away,” won an MTV Movie Award for “The Ring,” and appeared in “Donnie Darko” (2001).

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Melissa Gilbert Warns

Melissa Gilbert announced that actress Daveigh Chase died on June 16 at age 35.
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner determined the death resulted from AIDS and chronic polysubstance use.
Gilbert warned that over-involved stage parents can harm children and urged parents to ensure acting matches the child’s desire.
She advised tracking earnings, maintaining a life outside the industry, and remembering Chase’s story to prevent similar tragedies.

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