Pokemon Voice Actress Rachael Lillis Passes at 55

Rachael Lillis, the celebrated voice actress behind iconic Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, passed away at 55 on August 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the news via their GoFundMe page, 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' deep appreciation for fan interactions, often recounting heartwarming convention experiences.

Fellow voice actors paid heartfelt tributes. Veronica Taylor (Ash Ketchum) lauded Lillis' exceptional talent and kindness, while Tara Sands (Bulbasaur) shared condolences and noted Lillis' passing brought an end to her suffering. Fans also expressed their grief, remembering Lillis' contributions to their childhoods through her roles in Pokémon, ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena,’ and Ape Escape 2.

Lillis, born July 8, 1969, in Niagara Falls, New York, honed her vocal skills through opera training before a prolific voice acting career. Her IMDB page lists 423 Pokémon episodes (1997-2015), along with roles as Jigglypuff in Super Smash Bros. and ‘Detective Pikachu.’

A future memorial service is planned, as announced by Veronica Taylor. The loss of Rachael Lillis is deeply felt throughout the voice acting community and by countless fans whose childhoods were enriched by her memorable performances.