Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum in "Pokémon," announced the passing of Rachael Lillis following her breast cancer diagnosis in May 2024.
By Variety
Rachael Lillis, the voice actor known for her roles as Misty, Jessie, and other characters in the "Pokémon" series and films, passed away on August 10 at the age of 46.
Lillis had been diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2024. Her "Pokémon" co-star, Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum, shared the news of Lillis' passing in a statement on X Monday morning.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, August 10, 2024,” Taylor wrote. “Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing.
"She will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she brought to life, especially her iconic performances as Misty and Jessie in ‘Pokémon,’" Taylor added. "Rachael was deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support she received during her battle with cancer. It truly made a difference. Her family also wishes to extend their thanks as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial will be planned for a future date.”
Lillis began her voice acting career in the 1990s, contributing to hundreds of TV shows, anime series, video games, and more over the next few decades.
In 1998, she brought to life Misty, the water-type gym leader, in the original "Pokémon" anime. Misty quickly became one of the franchise's most beloved characters, joining Ash, Pikachu, and Brock in the early adventures of the "Pokémon" universe. Lillis also lent her voice to Jessie, the iconic Team Rocket member, who, alongside James and their talking Meowth, became a memorable antagonist in the series.
Lillis brought the pink, singing Pokémon Jigglypuff to life, along with several other characters in the Pokémon universe. She voiced Jigglypuff in all four entries of Nintendo’s popular "Super Smash Brothers" fighting game series, as well as the Pokémon Goldeen. Lillis also reprised her roles as Misty and Jessie in the 1999 film “Pokémon: The First Movie” and continued to voice them in several other films, including “Pokémon: The Movie 2000,” “Mewtwo Returns,” “Spell of the Unown,” “Pokémon 4Ever,” “Pokémon Heroes,” “Jirachi Wish Maker,” “Destiny Deoxys,” and “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew,” among others.
“We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played. She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills,” Taylor wrote. “I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend."
"She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end," Taylor said. "She had a great sense of humor, was wonderful to be with, incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory. She worked hard and cared deeply. I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it. Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity.”
Outside of "Pokémon," Lillis has lent her voice to roles in "Your Lie in April," "Hunter x Hunter," "Winx Club," and several other projects.
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