Rachael Lillis, the beloved voice actress known for her iconic portrayals of Misty and Jessie in the Pokémon anime, passed away at age 55 on August 10, 2024, after a battle with breast cancer. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the news on GoFundMe, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and friends.
The GoFundMe campaign, exceeding $100,000 in donations, will cover medical expenses, a memorial service, and support cancer research in Lillis' memory. Orr noted Lillis was deeply touched by the fan tributes.
Fellow voice actors shared heartfelt tributes. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, lauded Lillis' exceptional talent and kindness. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, echoed the sentiment, noting Lillis' passing as a significant loss. Fans also mourned the loss of the actress who brought so much joy to their childhoods, remembering her work in shows beyond Pokémon, including Revolutionary Girl Utena and Ape Escape 2.
Lillis, born July 8, 1969, in Niagara Falls, New York, honed her vocal skills through opera training. Her impressive career spanned 423 Pokémon episodes (1997-2015), and she also voiced Jigglypuff in Super Smash Bros. and Detective Pikachu.
A memorial service is planned for a later date. The legacy of Rachael Lillis, a gifted voice actress and kind soul, will continue to resonate with fans for years to come.
