A 2001 Japanese animated fantasy by Hayao Miyazaki
Chase has died at age 35 from complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection. She has been living homeless in Los Angeles with her boyfriend near the hospital where she died. The New York Times reports she voiced Lilo in the 2002 film and Samara in The Ring, among other roles. Her father confirmed the cause and circumstances, and an online fundraiser has raised about $4,000 for her memory.
Ghibli Fest, the theatrical revival of Studio Ghibli films, has grown into a decade-long phenomenon. Fans, including families in Austin, Texas, continue to attend yearly rereleases of Totoro, Spirited Away, and Ponyo as demand climbs and box office records rise. The festival has expanded since its 2017 launch, with its biggest years coming after HBO Max streaming made titles more accessible.