Rachael Lillis, the voice actor who brought to life iconic characters like Misty and Jessie in the Pokémon series, passed away on August 10 at the age of 46. Lillis, who had been battling breast cancer since May, was a cherished figure in the world of anime and video games.
The news of her passing was shared by her Pokémon co-star Veronica Taylor, who voiced the lead character Ash Ketchum. Taylor posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, announcing Lillis’ death and paying tribute to her friend and colleague.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, 10 August 2024,” Taylor wrote. “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 Pokémon’s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved. 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.”
Lillis began her voice acting career in the 1990s and quickly became a staple in the world of animation. She voiced Misty, the water-type gym leader, in the original Pokémon anime series that debuted in 1998. Misty, alongside Ash, Pikachu, and Brock, became one of the most recognizable characters in the Pokémon universe. Lillis also brought to life the character Jessie, the infamous Team Rocket member, who, with her partner James and their talking Meowth, became a beloved antagonist in the series.
In addition to her work on Pokémon, Lillis voiced several other characters, including the pink, singing Pokémon Jigglypuff and the fish Pokémon Goldeen. Her voice work extended beyond the TV series to video games, including Nintendo’s popular Super Smash Bros. fighting game series.
Reflecting on Lillis’ impact, Taylor wrote, “We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played. She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills… She will live on in our memories for eternity.”
Lillis’ legacy will endure through the characters she brought to life, continuing to entertain and inspire fans for generations to come.
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