Melissa Gilbert warns against stage parenting after Daveigh Chase's death

Melissa Gilbert warns against stage parenting after Daveigh Chase's death

Melissa Gilbert, a veteran actress who rose to fame as a child star, has spoken out about the dangers of stage parenting in the wake of Daveigh Chase's tragic death. Chase, who was best known for her roles in "The Ring" and voicing Lilo in "Lilo & Stitch," died on June 16 at the age of 35 due to complications from AIDS and chronic polysubstance use.

Gilbert, who worked with Chase on a TV pilot over 20 years ago, took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late actress and share her concerns about the pressures of child stardom. "I only worked with Daveigh a couple of days, but I could see she was bright both in countenance and in mind," Gilbert wrote. "She was bubbly, sweet and professional. But there was something else there, a push or need to perform …for her parents."

Gilbert's remarks suggest that she believes Chase's parents may have played a role in her struggles with substance abuse and her eventual demise. "I have been around a lot of child actors, myself included, which makes us all a part of a big multigenerational tribe," Gilbert wrote. "As a consequence, I've also been around a lot of stage parents. Many child actors grow up just fine, whether they stay in 'the business' or not. That is 100% due to really solid, wise parenting."

Gilbert's warning to parents of would-be child actors is clear: ensure that your child is pursuing a career in the entertainment industry for the right reasons, and prioritize their well-being and safety above all else. "It takes strong parenting to handle all that comes with [child stardom]," Gilbert wrote. "The terrible part is that so few child actors continue on to have careers as actors. For most, it goes away, and when that happens it not only devastates the child, but it turns the whole family upside down."

Chase's death has sparked a wider conversation about the welfare of children working in the entertainment industry. Her father, John Schwallier, has spoken about his daughter's struggles, telling The New York Times that she had been homeless and "destitute" near the time of her death. Chase's mother also spoke out in an interview with the Daily Mail, sharing that her daughter was prescribed oxycodone and other painkillers after a motorcycle accident in 2016, leading to substance abuse issues.

Gilbert's emotional post has resonated with fans and fellow actors, who have praised her for highlighting the importance of responsible parenting in the entertainment industry. "Your message is so important to all stage parents out there," one commenter wrote. "I'm so sorry this happened to her. May she rest peacefully," another person added.

For those affected by the issues raised in this story, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).