Daveigh Chase: Where The Little Girl From The Ring Is Now

Daveigh Chase, best known for her role as the hauntingly unforgettable Samara Morgan in The Ring, began her acting career long before stepping into the well of horror cinema that would define her career. Even as a young child, Chase showed a remarkable talent for performing, appearing in commercials and lending her voice to characters in animated projects. Her early career was marked by versatility, from television appearances to roles in incredible indie thrillers like Donnie Darko, showcasing a breadth of talent that promised a bright future in the entertainment industry.

Her breakthrough role came in 2002 with The Ring, a supernatural horror film that became a cultural phenomenon. In this film, Chase portrayed Samara Morgan, a character whose chilling presence and unforgettable look helped cement the movie’s place in horror lore. The role of Samara showcased Chase’s ability to convey intense emotion and haunting menace despite her young age, making her performance a central element of the film’s success. This role not only defined her career but also left a lasting impression on the horror genre. However, Daveigh Chase hasn’t had a phenomenal hit like The Ring since.

Daveigh Chase Has An Impressive Voice-Acting Portfolio

The Actor Voiced Chihiro In Spirited Away

Daveigh Chase’s journey into voice acting began with small roles, but she quickly made a name for herself with her ability to bring animated characters to life with emotion. One of her most celebrated roles is Chihiro Ogino in the 2002 English-language dub of Spirited Away, Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Chase’s performance captured the essence of Chihiro, a young girl navigating a mystical world, with a level of authenticity and vulnerability that resonated with audiences worldwide. This role not only highlighted her skills but also contributed to the film’s critical and commercial success outside of Japan.

Another iconic character voiced by Chase is Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, also released in 2002. The actress’s portrayal of Lilo, a young girl who befriends an alien named Stitch, was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, capturing the character’s quirks and heartfelt moments. Chase continued to voice Lilo in subsequent movies and the TV series, developing the character over time and securing her place in the hearts of fans. Chase had an incredible ability to convey Lilo’s spirited and compassionate nature unlike any other.

Beyond these leading roles, Chase’s voice-acting portfolio includes a variety of other characters across animated films, television shows, and video games. She has contributed to the animated series Betsy’s Kindergarten Adventures, and in video games, Chase has lent her voice to Lilo & Stitch games and the 2016 hack-and-slash game, Let It Die.

Daveigh Chase Starred In S. Darko

The Actor Reprised Her Role As Donnie Darko’s Sister In The Sequel

Daveigh Chase’s return to her Samantha Darko character in S. Darko, the sequel to the time travel cult classic Donnie Darko, marked a significant moment in her career. The original 2001 film, known for its complex narrative and dark themes, became a beloved staple among fans of the genre, and the announcement of a sequel generated a mix of anticipation and skepticism. In 2009’s S. Darko, Chase stepped into the lead role, bringing Samantha Darko to the forefront of the story, a move that promised to delve deeper into the character’s psyche and explore new dimensions of the Darko universe.

Set seven years after the events of Donnie Darko, S. Darko follows Samantha as she embarks on a road trip across the country, only to find herself entangled in a series of mysterious events that echo the strange occurrences of the first film. Chase’s portrayal of Samantha showcased her growth as an actress, offering a more mature and nuanced performance that highlighted her character’s struggles with her past and her attempts to navigate a world filled with uncertainty and existential questions. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, S. Darko struggled to capture the critical acclaim and cult following of its predecessor.

Many critics and fans felt that S. Darko was a disappointing sequel and failed to recapture the magic and depth of Donnie Darko. The film faced criticism for its plot, perceived as convoluted and lacking the original’s cohesive narrative and emotional impact. Furthermore, the absence of Richard Kelly, the original writer and director, in the sequel’s creation was noted as a significant factor in the film’s inability to resonate as strongly with its audience.

Daveigh Chase Has Had Huge Success In Television

The Actor Was Part Of The Main Cast Of HBO’s Big Love

Daveigh Chase’s transition from film to television has been marked by significant success, showcasing her versatility and ability to captivate audiences across different mediums. Her foray into television has seen her taking on a variety of roles, from guest appearances in popular procedural dramas to more substantial, character-driven parts. Among these is her role as Rhonda Vohmer in Big Love, a critically acclaimed series that aired for five years.

Big Love delved into the lives of a polygamous family in Utah, exploring themes of faith, love, and identity. Rhonda is a young girl entangled in the complex dynamics of the polygamous community. Initially depicted as a victim of the system, Rhonda’s journey throughout the series evolves, revealing her as a complex character with her own ambitions and manipulative tendencies. Chase’s portrayal of Rhonda was compelling, earning her praise for her ability to navigate the character’s nuanced emotional landscape and moral ambiguity.

Daveigh Chase Never Returned To The Ring Franchise

Daveigh Chase’s portrayal of Samara Morgan in The Ring remains her most iconic role, cementing her place in horror film history. However, despite the character’s lasting impact and the franchise’s continuation, Chase never returned to reprise her role in subsequent installments of The Ring series. Her performance in the first film was haunting and memorable, creating a character that would define the visual and thematic direction of the series. Yet, as the franchise evolved, it moved forward without her direct involvement, although her portrayal of Samara continued to influence the series.

Related

The Ring: 10 Scariest Scenes In The Series, Ranked

The three films in The Ring horror franchise have no shortage of chilling moments that fans still think about today.

Instead of returning for new scenes and storylines in later films, the franchise utilized archival footage of Chase to maintain the presence of Samara. This approach allowed the filmmakers to keep the character’s image consistent with audience expectations and retain the eerie essence that Chase brought to the role. The use of archived content featuring Chase in 2005’s The Ring Two and 2017’s Rings underscored her character’s significance to the franchise while also highlighting the challenges of evolving a series beyond its original cast.

Daveigh Chase’s absence from subsequent The Ring films did not diminish her contribution to the franchise’s legacy. Her portrayal of Samara Morgan remains a defining element of the series and why The Ring still holds up today, evoking fear and intrigue with her performance. Additionally, the sequels aren’t anywhere near as beloved as the original film. It could be argued that the use of archival footage was a choice made by the filmmakers to claw back some of the original’s acclaim by capitalizing on nostalgia.

Daveigh Chase’s Last Project Was American Romance In 2016

The Movie Was Called “Dull And Just Plain Icky”

Daveigh Chase’s involvement in American Romance, a low-budget thriller released in 2016, marked her most recent leading role. The movie is about the pursuit of a nefarious serial killer, known as the Diorama Killer for his macabre method of posing victims, who becomes entangled with honeymooners Jeff (Nolan Gerard Funk) and Krissy Madison (Chase).

Despite the intriguing premise and Chase’s role in a project that promised a departure from her earlier work, American Romance struggled to resonate with audiences and critics alike. Dann Gire of the Daily Herald encapsulated the film’s reception succinctly, critiquing it as “dull and just plain icky.”

It Appears That Daveigh Chase Has Retired From Acting

The Actor Has Encountered Several Legal Issues In Recent Years

Following her role in American Romance in 2016, Daveigh Chase’s acting career appears to have paused, leading to speculation about her possible retirement from the industry. This period of inactivity comes after a career that saw significant early success and a range of memorable roles, but she seemingly struggled with the transition from a child star to an adult actress, something that is often fraught with challenges for many actors.

Adding complexity to Chase’s situation are the legal issues she has encountered in recent years. In November 2018, Chase was charged with two misdemeanors: possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia (via The Blast). These charges have serious implications, including the possibility of facing one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. This was not her first encounter with legal trouble, as in 2017, she was arrested on a felony charge related to riding in a vehicle reported as stolen (via Page Six).

These legal challenges suggest a tumultuous period in Chase’s life, reflecting the difficult realities that some child actors face as they transition into adulthood within the public eye. The pressures of early fame and the demands of the entertainment industry can lead to personal and professional challenges that impact both the career and personal well-being of individuals. Daveigh Chase’s absence from the entertainment industry could be a result of these challenges, a deliberate choice to step back from acting to address personal matters.

What About The Rest Of The Cast Of The Ring?

The Ring Cast Includes Oscar Nominees And Succession Stars

Daveigh Chase is not the only actor from The Ring who fans might be curious about as Chase also shared the screen with another impressive child actor. David Dorfman started in The Ring as troubled young boy Aidan Keller, who becomes cursed by the video and spurs his mother to find a way to stop the malevolent force behind it. Dorfman followed up his unsettling performance in The Ring with another horror remake, playing the youngest and kindest member of the sadistic Sawyer family in 2003’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Like Chase, Dorfman gradually moved away from acting, with his last movie appearance being the 2008 Owen Wilson comedy Drillbit Taylor. However, he did have a cameo in season 7 of Game of Thrones as a Lannister soldier. While the two younger cast members of The Ring stepped away from the acting world, their adult costars have found considerable success. Naomi Watts was just starting to break out when she starred as Rachel in The Ring and the success of the movie led to a number of high-profile projects.

Watts went on to star in Peter Jackson’s King Kong, Eastern Promises, Funny Games, Birdman, and Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Watts also earned two Oscar nominations so far in her career for her performances in 21 Grams and The Impossible. Watts’ love interest in The Ring is played by Martin Henderson, an actor who has appeared in movies like Smokin’ Aces, Everest, and X, but is likely best known for his role as Jack Sheridan on Virgin River.

Of course, the supporting cast of The Ring is also very impressive, with Brian Cox as likely the most recognizable star in the movie. Though Cox already had a long and successful career behind him before he played the role of Richard Morgan in The Ring, he has become even more famous in recent years with his critically acclaimed performance as Logan Roy in HBO’s Succession. Cox’s career continues to shine with his most recent role in the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.

Sources: Daily Herald, The Blast, Page Six

An American remake of the original Japanese supernatural horror film, Ring, The Ring follows a journalist who discovers she has seven days to live after watching a cursed videotape. Attending the funeral of a girl who dies under mysterious circumstances, the victim’s mother asks Seattle journalist Rachel to investigate the death. After learning about the urban legend behind the video tape the girl watched, Rachel views the tape in the hopes of finding a lead – only to find herself succumbing to the same curse. 

Director

Gore Verbinski

Release Date

October 18, 2002

Cast

Martin Henderson , Naomi Watts , Amber Tamblyn , David Dorfman , Brian Cox