Famed Pokemon Voice Actress, Rachael Lillis, Dies at 55

Rachael Lillis, the celebrated voice actress behind iconic Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, passed away at age 55 on August 10, 2024, after a valiant fight against 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, memorial arrangements, and support cancer research in Lillis's memory. Orr noted Lillis was deeply touched by the kindness shown through the campaign and cherished her interactions with fans at conventions.

Fellow voice actors offered heartfelt tributes. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, lauded Lillis's exceptional talent and kindness. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, also shared condolences, highlighting the love and support Lillis received. Fans across social media remembered her fondly for her contributions to 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 career included voicing characters in 423 Pokémon episodes (1997-2015), Jigglypuff in Super Smash Bros., and Detective Pikachu (2019).

A memorial service is planned for a later date. The loss of Rachael Lillis is deeply felt by the voice acting community and her countless fans.