Renowned voice actress Rachael Lillis, best known for portraying Pokémon's Misty and Jessie, has died at age 55 after battling breast cancer.
Tributes Honor Beloved Pokémon Voice Artist
Community Mourns Loss of Rachael Lillis
The entertainment world mourns the loss of Rachael Lillis, the talented voice behind Pokémon's Misty and Jessie, who passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, following her fight against breast cancer.
Her sister Laurie Orr shared the sad news through their GoFundMe page, writing: "It's with profound sadness that I share Rachael's passing this past Saturday evening. We find comfort knowing she left this world without pain."
Orr expressed heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming support shown through donations and messages, noting how deeply touched Lillis had been by her fans' affection. The late actress often recalled convention meetings with fans as career highlights.
"While my heart aches losing my baby sister, I take solace in knowing she's finally at peace," Orr added.
The fundraising campaign, which surpassed $100,000 from over 2,700 supporters, will help cover remaining medical costs, memorial arrangements, and cancer charities honoring Lillis' memory.
Veronica Taylor, the original voice of Ash Ketchum and Lillis' close friend, praised her colleague's extraordinary talent via social media: "Rachael possessed an incredible gift - her voice captivated audiences whether speaking or singing."
"I'll forever cherish our friendship," Taylor continued. "Her kindness knew no bounds, lasting through her final days."
Tara Sands (Bulbasaur's voice) shared similar sentiments, noting how Lillis treasured fan support: "Her suffering has ended, but her vibrant spirit lives on in her unforgettable performances."
Fans worldwide flooded social media with tributes celebrating Lillis' impact on their childhoods. Beyond Pokémon, they honored her memorable roles in Revolutionary Girl Utena (Utena) and Ape Escape 2 (Natalie).
Born July 8, 1969 in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis honed her vocal talents through opera training before establishing herself as a premier voice artist. Her IMDB credits include voicing characters across 423 Pokémon episodes (1997-2015) and lending her voice to Jigglypuff in Super Smash Bros. and Detective Pikachu (2019).
Veronica Taylor announced plans for a future memorial celebration honoring Lillis' life and legacy.
