Rachael Lillis, the renowned voice actress known for her work in the Pokémon series, has passed away at the age of 55 due to breast cancer. Her death was announced by fellow voice actress Veronica Taylor, who portrayed Ash Ketchum in the beloved animated franchise.
Lillis was celebrated for voicing iconic characters such as Misty and Jessie, alongside numerous other roles in the Pokémon TV series, films, and video games since the late 1990s. On social media, Taylor expressed her sorrow, highlighting Lillis’s extraordinary talent and the joy her voice brought to audiences, especially on Saturday mornings and during weekday afternoons.
Lillis’s sister, Laurie Orr, also confirmed her passing via a GoFundMe page established earlier this year to cover medical expenses as Lillis battled cancer. Orr shared her grief, stating that her sister’s health had deteriorated suddenly and expressing comfort in the freedom Lillis has found in death. The fundraising effort has surpassed $100,000, with many fans contributing and expressing their admiration for Lillis and her impactful work.
Born in 1969 in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis trained in opera before transitioning to voice acting. Her contributions to the Pokémon series included an impressive 423 episodes from 1997 to 2015. She also voiced Jigglypuff in various projects, including the 2019 film Detective Pikachu and the Super Smash Bros video game series.
In a statement, The Pokémon Company International expressed its sadness at Lillis’s passing, recognizing her unique talent and the lasting legacy she leaves behind in the hearts of fans who grew up with her characters.