Famed Pokémon Voices Silent; Misty, Jessie Actress Rachael Lillis Dies

Rachael Lillis, the celebrated voice actress behind iconic Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, passed away at age 55 on August 10, 2024, after a valiant fight against breast cancer. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the sad news via their GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and friends.

The GoFundMe campaign, exceeding $100,000 in donations, will cover medical expenses, a memorial service, and support cancer research in Lillis' memory. Orr noted Lillis was deeply touched by the kindness shown through the campaign and cherished her interactions with fans at conventions.

Fellow voice actors paid heartfelt tributes. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, remembered Lillis as an exceptional talent with a remarkable voice and boundless kindness. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, also shared condolences, noting Lillis' passing brought immense sadness but also relief that her suffering had ended. Fans across social media expressed their grief, recalling Lillis' contributions to their childhoods through her work on Pokémon, Revolutionary Girl Utena, and Ape Escape 2.

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, on July 8, 1969, Lillis honed her vocal skills through opera training before launching her successful voice acting career. Her impressive resume includes 423 Pokémon episodes (1997-2015), Jigglypuff in the Super Smash Bros. series, and the 2019 film Detective Pikachu.

A memorial service is planned for a later date. Lillis' legacy as a beloved voice actress and kind soul will be remembered by many.