Renowned Voice Actress Behind Pokémon's Misty, Jessie Succumbs

Renowned Pokémon Voice Actress Rachael Lillis Passes Away at 55

The voice acting community and Pokémon fans worldwide are mourning the loss of Rachael Lillis, the talented actress behind iconic characters Misty and Jessie in the beloved 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

News of Lillis' passing was shared by her sister, Laurie Orr, on their GoFundMe page. The campaign, which raised over $100,000, will now help cover medical expenses and establish a memorial fund in her honor. Orr highlighted the immense support Lillis received from fans, sharing that the actress was deeply touched by the kind messages and memories shared.

Fellow voice actors also paid tribute, including Veronica Taylor (Ash Ketchum) who described Lillis as an extraordinary talent with an unforgettable voice. Tara Sands (Bulbasaur) echoed the sentiment, noting Lillis' deep appreciation for the love and support shown.

A Legacy of Iconic Performances

Beyond her prominent roles in Pokémon, spanning an impressive 423 episodes between 1997 and 2015 (according to her IMDB page), Lillis' voice work extended to other beloved characters. Fans fondly remember her performances as Utena in "Revolutionary Girl Utena" and Natalie in "Ape Escape 2." Her portrayal of Jigglypuff in the Super Smash Bros. series and the 2019 film "Detective Pikachu" further cemented her legacy.

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis honed her vocal skills through opera training before pursuing her successful voice acting career. A memorial service is planned to celebrate her remarkable life and career. She will be deeply missed.