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, whose voice brought life to iconic Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie. She passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, at the age of 55. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the sad news on their GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support received during Lillis' illness. The GoFundMe campaign raised over $100,000, exceeding its goal. These funds will cover medical expenses, memorial arrangements, and support cancer research in Lillis' memory.

Orr described Lillis' joy in connecting with fans at conventions, highlighting the profound impact she had on her audience. Fellow voice actors also shared heartfelt tributes. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, remembered Lillis as an exceptionally talented and kind individual. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, echoed similar sentiments, noting Lillis' profound gratitude for the love and support she received.

Fans across social media expressed their sorrow, remembering Lillis' contributions to their childhoods through her work on Pokémon, as well as her roles in ‘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 included voicing characters in 423 episodes of Pokémon (1997-2015), Jigglypuff in the Super Smash Bros. series, and in the 2019 film ‘Detective Pikachu’.

A memorial service to honor her life is currently being planned, as announced by Veronica Taylor.