Voice actor Rachael Lillis, who played the roles of Misty, Jessie, and other characters in numerous “Pokémon” films and television shows, passed away on August 10. Her age was 46. In May, Lillis received a breast cancer diagnosis. Lillis’ co-star from “Pokémon,” Veronica Taylor, who provided the voice of Ash Ketchum, the main character, revealed Lillis’ passing in an X statement early on Monday.
Taylor stated, “I share the news of Rachael Lillis’s passing on Saturday evening, August 10, 2024, with a very heavy heart.” “Rachael had a remarkable gift; her voice, whether used for speech or singing, radiated brightness. She portrayed a number of animated characters for which she will always be recognised, the most well-known being Misty and Jessie from “Pokemon.” Rachael was incredibly appreciative of all the kind affection and assistance she received while battling cancer. It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial is being arranged for a future date.”
Beginning her career in voice acting in the 1990s, Lillis went on to appear in hundreds of TV episodes, anime films, video games, and other media until the late 2010s. In the 1998 anime adaptation of the “Pokémon” series, she provided the voice of Misty, the gym leader who specialises in aquatic animals. Misty became one of the most popular characters in the early “Pokémon” universe, with Ash, his Pikachu and their friend Brock. Along with her teammate James and their talking Meowth, Lillis also provided the voice of Jessie, one half of the evil Team Rocket.
She brought to life several other animals, including the pink, singing Pokémon Jigglypuff. In Nintendo’s well-liked “Super Smash Brothers” fighting game series, Lillis provided the voice of Jigglypuff for all four games. In the games, she also provided the voice of Pokémon Goldeen. In addition to “Pokémon: The Movie 2000,” “Mewtwo Returns,” “Spell of the Unown,” “Pokémon 4Ever,” “Pokémon Heroes,” “Jirachi Wish Maker,” “Destiny Deoxys,” “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew,” and other films, Lillis portrayed Misty and Jessie in the 1999 film “Pokémon: The First Movie.”
Rachael Lillis is well-known to us all thanks to her several amazing roles. With her lovely voice, amazing comedic timing, and amazing acting abilities, she brightened our Saturday mornings and the hours before and after school,” Taylor wrote. “I had the good fortune to have Rachael as a friend. She was always very nice and compassionate, right up until the very end. Not only was she very intelligent, but she also had a beautiful sense of humour and an amazing recall. She was a diligent worker and a great carer. Now that her light is gone from this extremely black gap, I’m not sure how it will be filled. Similar to the Perseid meteor shower, Rachael was an amazing marvel and something very unique. Too soon after, she flared brightly and disappeared.
Lillis voiced characters in a number of animated series in addition to “Pokémon,” including “Your Lie in April,” “Hunter x Hunter,” “Winx Club,” and many more.
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