Up Your Geek

06/17/2026

SAD NEWS:

In Memory of Daveigh Chase (1990–2026)
Voice of a Generation. Horror Icon. Gone Too Soon.

We are heartbroken to share the tragic news that Daveigh Chase, the actress and voice performer best known as Lilo Pelekai in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and Samara Morgan in The Ring, has passed away at the age of 35. According to reports, Chase died on June 16, 2026, after complications from meningitis and severe blood infections that led to sepsis and organ failure.

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 24, 1990, Chase became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable child stars in the early 2000s. In 2002 alone, she delivered two performances that would cement her place in pop culture history: voicing the spirited and lovable Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and terrifying audiences worldwide as Samara in the horror classic The Ring. Her portrayal of Samara earned her the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.

Her talents extended far beyond those iconic roles. Chase also provided the English voice of Chihiro in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, appeared in Donnie Darko, starred in HBO’s Big Love, and lent her voice to numerous animated projects throughout her career.

In recent years, Chase largely stepped away from the spotlight. Reports following her passing revealed she had faced significant personal struggles and health challenges, including a recent hospitalization before her death. Her boyfriend, Roy Hernandez, shared that she had been battling meningitis and multiple serious infections in the days leading up to her passing.

For many fans, Daveigh Chase represented two completely different sides of storytelling: the warmth and innocence of childhood through Lilo, and the unforgettable terror of one of horror’s most iconic villains. Few performers leave such a unique mark on popular culture.

Up Your Geek extends our deepest condolences to her loved ones, friends, colleagues, and fans around the world. Her work touched generations of moviegoers, horror fans, animation lovers, and Disney audiences alike.

Rest in power, Daveigh. 🕊️

06/06/2026

SAD NEWS:

In Memory of Anthony Head (1954–2026)
Actor. Mentor. Beloved Watcher.

We are deeply saddened to share that Anthony Head, the acclaimed British actor beloved by generations of fans for his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso, Merlin, and countless other productions, has passed away at the age of 72. His family confirmed that he died peacefully from complications related to pneumonia while surrounded by loved ones.

Born on February 20, 1954, in London, England, Head built a remarkable career that spanned nearly five decades. While British audiences first came to know him through the iconic Gold Blend coffee commercials of the late 1980s, he would go on to become one of television’s most respected and recognizable performers.

For many fans around the world, Anthony Head will forever be remembered as Rupert Giles, the wise librarian, Watcher, and father figure who guided Buffy Summers throughout the seven-season run of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. His portrayal brought intelligence, warmth, humor, and emotional depth to one of television’s most beloved mentor characters. The role made him a genre icon and earned him a devoted fanbase that remained with him throughout his career.

Beyond Sunnydale, Head continued to leave his mark on television with memorable performances as King Uther Pendragon in Merlin, appearances in Little Britain, Doctor Who, Bridgerton, and most recently as the manipulative Rupert Mannion in the Emmy-winning comedy Ted Lasso. His ability to move effortlessly between drama, comedy, fantasy, and theater made him one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

The loss comes just six months after the death of his longtime partner, Sarah Fisher. Head is survived by his daughters, actresses Emily Head and Daisy Head, who announced his passing and celebrated the profound impact he and his work had on so many lives.

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry. Buffy stars including Sarah Michelle Gellar, David Boreanaz, and James Marsters remembered Head as a generous friend, mentor, and one of the finest actors they ever worked alongside.

Up Your Geek extends our deepest condolences to Anthony Head’s family, friends, colleagues, and fans around the world. His talent, kindness, and unforgettable performances will continue to inspire audiences for generations to come.

Rest in power, Anthony. 🕊️

05/23/2026

SAD NEWS:

In Memory of Rob Base (1967–2026)
Hip-Hop Pioneer. Party Rock Legend. Cultural Icon.

We are deeply saddened to share that Rob Base, the legendary rapper best known for the groundbreaking hit “It Takes Two,” has passed away at the age of 59 following a private battle with cancer. Reports state he died peacefully surrounded by family on May 22, 2026, just days after celebrating his birthday.

Born Robert Ginyard in Harlem, New York, Rob Base helped change the landscape of hip-hop alongside DJ E-Z Rock. The duo exploded onto the scene in 1988 with “It Takes Two,” a track that became one of the most influential and recognizable songs in rap history. Built around infectious energy, dance-floor production, and undeniable charisma, the song crossed genres and generations — helping bring hip-hop into the mainstream.

The duo’s debut album It Takes Two produced additional hits including “Joy and Pain” and “Get on the Dance Floor,” cementing their place in the golden era of hip-hop. Even decades later, the music remained a staple at parties, sporting events, movies, and pop culture celebrations worldwide.

After the passing of DJ E-Z Rock in 2014, Rob Base continued performing, appearing on nostalgia tours like the I Love the ’90s Tour while mentoring younger artists through his organization, Funky Base, Inc.

His family described him as “a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”

Up Your Geek extends our deepest condolences to Rob Base’s family, friends, collaborators, and fans around the world. His music brought people together, filled dance floors, and became part of the soundtrack of an era that will never be forgotten.

Rest in power, Rob. 🕊️

05/21/2026

🔥 Kung Lao actor and martial artist Max Huang showing off his REAL skills in front of fans while promoting Mortal Kombat 2 👊🏾🌀

One thing many fans wanted from the Mortal Kombat movies was authentic martial arts choreography — and performances like this are exactly why people have been praising the action in the new film.

With Mortal Kombat 2 now officially in theaters, what’s been your favorite fight scene so far? And where would you rank it compared to the 2021 film? 👀

05/21/2026

The droids have officially arrived on the red carpet. 🤖✨

These little guys rolled up to the world premiere of The Mandalorian & Grogu looking like they were ready to scan tickets, judge outfits, and steal the entire show.

“These ARE the droids you’re looking for.”

Catch the galaxy’s next big adventure when The Mandalorian & Grogu hits theaters and IMAX on May 22!

Which Star Wars droid would you want as your sidekick? 👀

05/19/2026

SAD NEWS:

In Memory of Tom Kane (1962–2026)
Legendary Voice Actor. Storyteller. A Voice Across Galaxies.

We are deeply saddened to share that Tom Kane, the beloved voice actor whose work shaped generations of animation, video games, and especially the Star Wars universe, has passed away at the age of 64.

Born on April 15, 1962, Kane became one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment, bringing wisdom, warmth, humor, and gravitas to countless iconic characters over a career that spanned decades.

To Star Wars fans, Tom Kane was unforgettable. He voiced legendary characters including Yoda, Admiral Ackbar, Qui-Gon Jinn, Boba Fett, and C-3PO across animated series, films, games, and narration work. His narration for Star Wars: The Clone Wars became instantly iconic, helping immerse fans into one of the franchise’s most beloved eras.

Beyond the galaxy far, far away, Kane’s versatility made him a cornerstone of animation. He voiced Professor Utonium in The Powerpuff Girls, Darwin in The Wild Thornberrys, Mr. Herriman in Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, and later took over the role of Woodhouse in Archer following George Coe’s passing.

His voice was part of childhoods, fandoms, adventures, and memories for millions around the world.

In 2020, Kane suffered a stroke that significantly impacted his speech and ultimately led to his retirement from voice acting. Even through those challenges, fans and colleagues continued to celebrate not only his immense talent but his kindness, humility, and passion for storytelling.

Up Your Geek extends our deepest condolences to Tom Kane’s family, friends, collaborators, and fans around the world. His voice helped define generations of animation and science fiction, and his legacy will continue to echo through every story he helped bring to life.

Rest in power, Tom. 🕊️
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

05/18/2026

The ring’s chosen its next heroes. 💚⚡️

The new official teaser for Lanterns has arrived, giving us another look at the upcoming DC Studios series following Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a dark mystery tied to Earth.

Lanterns premieres August 16 on HBO Max.

What’s your first impression of the new teaser? 👀

05/18/2026

Pedro Pascal really gave Star Wars fans the surprise of a lifetime at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 🤯✨

Guests thought they were simply meeting The Mandalorian… only for Din Djarin himself to reveal he was actually Pedro Pascal under the helmet. The reactions were absolutely priceless.

Moments like this are exactly why Star Wars fandom is special.

Catch The Mandalorian & Grogu in theaters and IMAX on May 22!

If YOU were standing there and Pedro removed the helmet, what would your reaction be? 👀

05/16/2026

Move over Hollywood stars… Grogu just became the true king of the red carpet. 😭✨

The little legend absolutely stole the spotlight at the world premiere of The Mandalorian & Grogu and honestly… how are we supposed to focus on anything else when he’s this adorable?

This is the Way.

Would YOU want a Grogu companion riding around on your shoulder everywhere you go?

05/14/2026