Rachael Lillis, ‘Pokémon’ Misty and Jessie Voice Actor, Dies at 46

Rachael Lillis, ‘Pokémon’ Misty and Jessie Voice Actor, Dies at 46

As a gamer who grew up watching and loving Pokémon, the news about Rachael Lillis’ passing is truly heart-wrenching. Her voice brought Misty and Jessie to life, characters that were an integral part of my childhood memories. I remember staying up late to watch the episodes, laughing at Jessie’s antics, and cheering for Misty as she persevered in her journey.


I, a fellow gamer, sadly share the news that Rachael Lillis, the voice behind Misty and Jessie in our beloved Pokémon TV and movie adaptations, passed away at the age of 46. This leaves us with a heavy heart as we reminisce about the unforgettable characters she brought to life.

On Monday, Veronica Taylor, known for her role as Ash in the Pokémon animated series, shared on social media that Lillis passed away on Saturday, following a struggle with breast cancer.

“With deep sadness, I announce the death of Rachael Lillis on August 10, 2024. Rachael was a remarkable artist, her voice radiated brilliance whether she was speaking or singing. Her memory will live on through the numerous lively characters she portrayed, and her most cherished roles as Pokemon’s Misty and Jessie will always be fondly remembered,” Taylor expressed in her tribute.

“Rachael deeply appreciated the abundant kindness and assistance she received during her fight against cancer, which undeniably had a beneficial impact. Taylor mentioned that her family asks for privacy as they mourn, but a tribute event will be arranged at a later time.”

Moreover, on Monday, Laurie Orr – Lillis’ sister and administrator of a GoFundMe page to cover recent medical expenses – announced over the weekend that voice actor Rachael Lillis had passed away. In a heartfelt message, Orr shared, “Sadly, I must inform you that Rachael has died. She passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, free from pain, and for this, we are thankful. She is now with God, the angels, and loved ones who have gone before her, enveloped by eternal love.”

Born on the 8th of July, 1978, in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis honed her skills in opera before transitioning into voice acting. Over a span of nearly two decades, from 1997 to 2015, she contributed her voice to the characters Jessie and Misty in the Pokémon TV series for a total of 423 episodes.

Lillis was part of the voice acting team for the same characters in “Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back” (1998), directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, and also in the “Pokémon the Movie” series in 2000.

Apart from her other English voice-acting roles, she has been credited for adaptations such as the TV series “Your Lie in April,” “Hunter x Hunter,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn,” and the 1992 TV series “Guardian of Darkness,” where she voiced Satsuki.

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2024-08-12 22:25