Rachael Lillis, who voiced the English language roles of Misty and Jessie on the popular Pokémon TV and movie adaptations of the Japanese anime series, has died. She was 46.
Veronica Taylor, who voices Ash on the the Pokémon animated series, on Monday announced via social media that Lillis had died Saturday after a battle with breast cancer.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, 10 August 2024. Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing. She will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played, with her iconic performances as Pokemon‘s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved,” Taylor said in her post.
“Rachael was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled cancer. It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial is being planned for a future date,” Taylor added.
Also Monday, Laurie Orr, Lillis’ sister and an organizer of a GoFundMe page to help offset recent medical care costs, also announced the veteran voice actor’s death over the weekend. “With a heavy heart, I regret to say that Rachael has passed away. She passed peacefully Saturday night, without pain, and for that we are grateful. She is with God, the angels and family that has passed before her, surrounded by infinite Love,” Orr wrote.
Lillis was born on July 8, 1978 in Niagara Falls, New York, and trained in opera before becoming a voice actor. She lent her voice to the roles of Jessie and Misty in the Pokémon TV series for 423 episodes between 1997 and 2015.
Lillis also joined the voice cast in the same roles in the 1998 Pokémon: The First movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back, directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, and in the Pokémon the Movie project in 2000.
Her other English language voice acting credits for adaptations include the Your Lie in April TV series, Hunter x Hunter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn and the voice role of Satsuki in the 1992 TV series Guardian of Darkness.
