Rachael Lillis, the celebrated voice actress behind Pokémon's Misty and Jessie, passes away at 55.

Heartfelt Tributes for Rachael Lillis

A Legacy of Kindness and Talent

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Rachael Lillis, the gifted voice actress known for her iconic portrayals of Misty and Jessie in the Pokémon anime series. Lillis passed away peacefully on August 10th, 2024, at the age of 55, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the sad news via their GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and friends. Lillis deeply cherished the connections she made with fans at conventions, often recounting heartwarming anecdotes about their interactions. The GoFundMe campaign, exceeding $100,000 in donations, will now assist with medical expenses, memorial arrangements, and cancer-related charities in Lillis' memory.

Fellow voice actors shared their grief and admiration. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, lauded Lillis' "extraordinary talent" and "unlimited kindness." Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, echoed the sentiment, noting Lillis' profound impact and the comfort in knowing she's no longer suffering.

Fans also expressed their sorrow and appreciation for Lillis' contributions to their childhoods, remembering her memorable performances in shows beyond Pokémon, including Revolutionary Girl Utena and Ape Escape 2.

Born July 8, 1969, in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis' vocal prowess was honed through opera training. Her career spanned numerous roles, with a remarkable 423 Pokémon episodes (1997-2015) under her belt. She also voiced Jigglypuff in Super Smash Bros. and Detective Pikachu.

A memorial service is planned to celebrate Lillis' life and legacy, details to be announced later.