Rachael Lillis, the celebrated voice actress behind Pokémon's Misty and Jessie, among many others, passed away at age 55 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. The news was shared by her sister, Laurie Orr, on their GoFundMe page.

A Legacy of Kindness and Talent

Lillis' passing on August 10th, 2024, has left a void in the hearts of fans and fellow voice actors alike. Orr described Lillis' peaceful passing and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown through the GoFundMe campaign, which surpassed $100,000 in donations. The remaining funds will be used to cover medical expenses, plan a memorial service, and support cancer research.

Fellow voice actors, including Veronica Taylor (Ash Ketchum) and Tara Sands (Bulbasaur), shared heartfelt tributes on social media, praising Lillis' exceptional talent and kind spirit. Fans also mourned the loss of the voice that enriched their childhoods, remembering her roles beyond Pokémon, such as Utena in "Revolutionary Girl Utena" and Natalie in "Ape Escape 2."

A Remarkable Career

Born July 8, 1969, in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis honed her vocal skills through opera training. Her career spanned numerous roles, most notably her extensive work on Pokémon (423 episodes between 1997 and 2015). She also voiced Jigglypuff in the Super Smash Bros. series and the 2019 film "Detective Pikachu."

A memorial service is planned to celebrate Lillis' life, the details of which will be announced at a later date. Her contributions to the world of voice acting and the enduring memories she created will be cherished for years to come.