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 gifted actress behind the iconic characters Misty and Jessie in the beloved Pokémon anime. Lillis passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, at the age of 55, after a brave battle with breast cancer.
A Legacy of Kindness and Talent
Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the sad news via their GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support received from fans and friends. Lillis deeply cherished the connections she made with her audience, often recounting heartwarming stories from conventions. The GoFundMe campaign, exceeding $100,000 in donations, will now cover medical expenses, a memorial service, and support cancer research in her memory.
Fellow voice actors have also shared their tributes. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, remembered Lillis as an extraordinary talent with a uniquely captivating voice, both in speaking and singing roles. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, echoed the sentiment, noting Lillis' profound appreciation for the love and support shown to her.
Fans across social media are sharing their memories of Lillis' contributions to their childhoods, celebrating her memorable performances not only in Pokémon, but also in shows like ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ and ‘Ape Escape 2.’
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 (1997-2015), Jigglypuff in Super Smash Bros., and even a role in the 2019 film ‘Detective Pikachu.’
A memorial service is currently being planned, details to be announced later by Veronica Taylor. Rachael Lillis's talent and kindness will be deeply missed.
