Rachael Lillis, the celebrated voice actress behind iconic Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, passed away at age 55 on August 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the sad 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 was deeply touched by the heartfelt messages.
Fellow voice actors paid tribute, including Veronica Taylor (Ash Ketchum), who lauded Lillis' exceptional talent and kindness, and Tara Sands (Bulbasaur), who acknowledged the profound impact of the outpouring of love Lillis received. Fans also shared their memories, celebrating her contributions to their childhoods through her work 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. Her impressive voice acting career spanned numerous roles, notably her 423-episode contribution to the Pokémon anime (1997-2015), as well as her portrayal of Jigglypuff in Super Smash Bros. and Detective Pikachu (2019).
A memorial service is planned for a later date. The loss of this talented and beloved actress is deeply felt by the animation community and her fans worldwide.
