Voice Actress Rachael Lillis, Known for Pokémon's Misty & Jessie, Dies at 55

Renowned Pokémon Voice Actress Rachael Lillis Passes Away at 55

The voice acting community and Pokémon fans worldwide mourn the loss of Rachael Lillis, the talented actress behind iconic characters Misty and Jessie in the popular anime series. Lillis passed away peacefully on August 10th, 2024, at the age of 55, following a brave battle with breast cancer.

Heartfelt Tributes Pour In

The news of Lillis' passing was shared by her sister, Laurie Orr, on their GoFundMe page. The campaign, which raised over $100,000 to assist with medical expenses, will now also support a memorial service and cancer-related charities in her memory. Orr expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans, noting Lillis' joy in connecting with her audience at conventions.

Fellow voice actors also paid tribute. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, described Lillis as an extraordinary talent with an exceptional voice, both in speaking and singing roles. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, shared that Lillis found comfort in the outpouring of love before her passing.

Fans across social media expressed their deep sadness, remembering Lillis' impact on their childhoods through her work in Pokémon, as well as her roles in "Revolutionary Girl Utena" and "Ape Escape 2."

A Life Dedicated to Performance

Born July 8, 1969, in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis honed her vocal skills through opera training. Her impressive career included voicing characters in 423 episodes of Pokémon between 1997 and 2015. She also lent her voice to Jigglypuff in the Super Smash Bros. series and the 2019 film "Detective Pikachu."

A memorial service to celebrate Lillis' life is planned for a future date. Her legacy as a beloved voice actress and kind person will continue to inspire.