The voice acting community mourns the loss of Rachael Lillis, the talented performer behind iconic Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, who passed away at 55 after a battle with breast cancer.
A Legacy of Beloved Voices
Remembering Rachael Lillis
Rachael Lillis, the unforgettable voice behind many cherished anime characters, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the sad news on their GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support received from fans and friends. Lillis's joy in connecting with fans at conventions was evident, and the outpouring of love clearly touched her deeply.
The GoFundMe campaign, created to assist with medical expenses, has exceeded $100,000 in donations. Remaining funds will cover medical costs, a memorial service, and support cancer-related charities in Lillis's name.
Fellow voice actors have also shared heartfelt tributes. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, praised Lillis's exceptional talent and kind heart. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, echoed the sentiment, noting Lillis's passing as a profound loss.
Fans worldwide are sharing their memories of Lillis's contributions to their childhoods, recalling her memorable performances not only in Pokémon, but also in shows like ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ and ‘Ape Escape 2.’
Born in Niagara Falls, New York, on July 8, 1969, Lillis honed her vocal skills through opera training. Her extensive voice acting career spanned numerous roles, including an impressive 423 episodes of Pokémon (1997-2015). She also voiced Jigglypuff in the Super Smash Bros. series and the 2019 film ‘Detective Pikachu.’
A memorial service is planned to honor her life and legacy. The date will be announced at a later time.
