Rachael Lillis, the beloved voice actress known for her iconic portrayals of Misty and Jessie in the Pokémon anime, passed away at age 55 on Saturday, August 10, 2024, following a battle with breast cancer.
Tributes Pour In for Beloved Pokémon Voice Actress Rachael Lillis
Family, Fans, and Friends Mourn the Loss of Rachael Lillis
The news of Lillis' passing was shared by her sister, Laurie Orr, on their GoFundMe page on Monday, August 12th. Orr expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and friends, noting that Lillis was deeply touched by the kindness shown. The actress cherished her connections with fans, often recounting heartwarming stories from convention appearances. "My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing that she is free," Orr shared. The GoFundMe campaign, established to assist with medical expenses, has surpassed $100,000 in donations from over 2,700 contributors. Remaining funds will cover medical bills, a memorial service, and support for cancer-related causes in Lillis' memory.
Fellow voice actress and close friend, Veronica Taylor (Ash Ketchum in early Pokémon seasons), paid tribute on Twitter (X), calling Lillis "an extraordinary talent" with a voice that "shone… whether speaking or singing." Taylor noted Lillis' "unlimited kindness and compassion." Tara Sands (Bulbasaur) also offered condolences, emphasizing that Lillis found comfort in the outpouring of love and support.
Fans across social media shared heartfelt tributes, remembering Lillis' impact on their childhoods. Beyond her Pokémon roles, she was fondly remembered for her work as Utena in Revolutionary Girl Utena and Natalie in Ape Escape 2.
Born July 8, 1969, in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis honed her vocal skills through opera training in college before embarking on a successful voice acting career. Her IMDb page lists 423 Pokémon episodes (1997-2015), along with roles as Jigglypuff in the Super Smash Bros. series and the 2019 film Detective Pikachu.
A memorial service to celebrate Lillis' life is planned for a future date, as announced by Veronica Taylor.
