2024-08-13 00:05:02
Rachael Lillis, voice actor for Pokémon’s Misty and Team Rocket’s Jessie, has died. She was 46.
Lillis died on August 10 after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2024. Her Pokémon co-star, Veronica Taylor, shared a post on social media following Lillis’ death.
“We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played. She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills,” Taylor, who voices Ash Ketchum in the animé series, shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
In a statement, Taylor added, “Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing. She will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played, with her iconic performances as Pokémon’s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved.”
“Rachael was so thankful for all of the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled with cancer,” the statement continued. “It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial is being planned for a future date. With love, Veronica.”
In follow-up posts on X, Taylor noted that she “was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend.”
“She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end. She had a great sense of humor, was wonderful to be with, incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory. She worked hard and cared deeply,” Taylor added.
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“I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it. Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity.”
Lillis also voiced Intress in Chaotic, Thalia in Shadow of the Elves, Jigglypuff in Pokémon, Natalie in Ape Escape 2, Ursula in Dinosaur King, Hela in Cubix — Robots for Everyone, Faragonda in Winx Club, Ohno in Genshiken, and Martina in Slayers Next, among many others.
