Spirited Away has surged into recent headlines as fans mourn the passing of former child actor Daveigh Chase at 35. The film, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released by Studio Ghibli, follows a young girl navigating a spirit world, cementing its status as a landmark in Japanese animation and global cinema.
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.