Beloved Pokémon Voice Actress Rachael Lillis Passes Away at 55
Rachael Lillis, the voice behind iconic Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, has passed away at the age of 55 after a battle with breast cancer. Her death was confirmed by fellow voice actress Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum in the Pokémon anime series.
Lillis’s contributions to the Pokémon franchise spanned over two decades, beginning in the late 1990s. Her distinctive voice brought life to numerous characters, including the fan-favorite Misty, the feisty Water-type trainer, and Jessie, the mischievous leader of Team Rocket.
“Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing,” Taylor wrote on social media. “She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills.”
Lillis’s sister, Laurie Orr, confirmed the news on a GoFundMe page set up earlier this year to support her sister’s cancer treatment and move her into a nursing home. “This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken,” Orr wrote, adding that Lillis’s health had declined rapidly in the past week.
“My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free,” Orr said.
Fans have expressed their grief and gratitude for Lillis’s work, with many remembering her as a “bright light” and a “talented voice actress.” The GoFundMe page has raised over $100,000, with donations pouring in from fans since the news of her passing. The funds will now be used to cover remaining medical bills, a memorial service, and efforts to combat cancer.
Lillis was born in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1969 and trained in opera at university before embarking on a successful voice acting career. Her voice appeared in 423 episodes of the Pokémon anime series between 1997 and 2015, according to IMDB. She also voiced the beloved Pokémon Jigglypuff in the 2019 film “Detective Pikachu” and the “Super Smash Bros” video game series.
The Pokémon Company International released a statement expressing their deep sadness over Lillis’s passing. “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rachael Lillis,” the statement read. “Her performance on Pokémon will be cherished by the many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her special talent. She will be remembered for generations to come, and we will always keep her close in our hearts.”
Rachael Lillis’s legacy will live on through the countless fans who grew up with her voice, and her contributions to the Pokémon franchise will continue to be cherished for years to come.
