Pokémon Voice Actress Rachael Lillis Passes Away

Rachael Lillis, the celebrated voice actress behind Pokémon's Misty and Jessie, passes away at 55 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

A Wave of Grief for Beloved Pokémon Voice Actress

Family, Fans, and Friends Remember Rachael Lillis

The entertainment world mourns the loss of Rachael Lillis, who passed away peacefully on August 10th, 2024, at the age of 55. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the sad news via their GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support shown during Lillis' illness. The GoFundMe campaign, exceeding $100,000 in donations, will now help cover medical expenses, memorial arrangements, and support cancer research in her honor.

Orr highlighted Lillis' deep appreciation for her fans, recounting her joy in meeting them at conventions and sharing their heartwarming stories. The actress's kindness and compassion touched many lives.

Fellow voice actors have also shared their tributes. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, lauded Lillis' extraordinary talent and boundless kindness. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, echoed similar sentiments, noting Lillis' relief from suffering. Fans across social media expressed their sorrow, remembering Lillis' impact on their childhoods through her memorable roles in Pokémon, Revolutionary Girl Utena, and Ape Escape 2.

Lillis' impressive career spanned numerous roles, including a remarkable 423 episodes of Pokémon (1997-2015), Jigglypuff in the Super Smash Bros. series, and Natalie in Ape Escape 2. Her vocal talents, honed through opera training in college, left an indelible mark on animation.

Born July 8th, 1969, in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis' legacy extends beyond her impressive filmography. A memorial service is planned for a later date.