Rachael Lillis, ‘Pokémon’ Star Who Voiced Misty and Jessie, Dies at 46

As a long-time fan of the Pokémon series, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rachael Lillis. Her voice brought to life some of my most cherished characters, from the determined Misty and the mischievous Jessie to the adorable Jigglypuff.


Rachael Lillis, a talented voice actress renowned for her roles in various “Pokémon” movies and shows including Misty, Jessie, and others, sadly passed away on August 10th. She was only 46 years old.

Lillis received a breast cancer diagnosis in May, and her “Pokémon” co-star Veronica Taylor, who voices the main character Ash Ketchum, shared the sad news of Lillis’ passing on Monday morning via a statement.

“With deep sorrow, I announce the sad demise of Rachael Lillis on August 10, 2024. Rachael was an exceptional artist whose voice radiated brilliance whether she spoke or sang. She leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable roles, particularly her iconic performances as ‘Pokemon’s’ Misty and Jessie. During her fight against cancer, she was incredibly touched by the outpouring of love and support. It meant the world to her. At this difficult time, her family asks for privacy to mourn. A tribute event will be held at a later date.”

In the throes of the ’90s, I embarked on a voice-acting journey that carried me through countless TV shows, anime series, video games, and more, well into the late 2010s. One role that resonated deeply with fans was Misty, the water-specialist gym leader in the original “Pokémon” anime, which I brought to life in 1998. Misty, alongside Ash, Pikachu, and Brock, quickly became a beloved character in the early Pokémon universe. Additionally, I lent my voice to Jessie, the mischievous member of Team Rocket, partnering with her teammate James and their Meowth sidekick.

1. Lillis, the voice behind multiple Pokemon characters including Jigglypuff and Goldeen, animated those creatures to life, as well as many others. Notably, she lent her voice to Jigglypuff in all four installments of Nintendo’s hit “Super Smash Brothers” series. Moreover, Lillis has been the voice for numerous Pokemon movies, such as “Pokémon: The First Movie”, “Pokémon: The Movie 2000”, and several more, including “Mewtwo Returns,” “Spell of the Unown,” “Pokémon 4Ever,” “Pokémon Heroes,” “Jirachi Wish Maker,” “Destiny Deoxys,” “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew” among others.

“Rachael Lillis, whom we all recognize from her captivating roles, graced our Saturday mornings and pre-/post-school hours with her enchanting voice, impeccable comic timing, and extraordinary acting abilities. As Taylor shared, ‘I had the fortune of knowing Rachael as a friend.’ She embodied endless kindness and empathy until the very end. Her humor was infectious, she was delightful to be around, incredibly intelligent, and had an unforgettable memory. She worked tirelessly and genuinely cared for others. The void left by her light is profound, and it’s difficult to imagine how we can fill it now that it has been extinguished. Just as the Perseids are awe-inspiring meteor showers, Rachael was a breathtaking marvel and truly unique. Her brilliance flickered too soon, but her memory will endure forever in our hearts.”

Beyond her work on “Pokémon,” Lillis has lent her voice to various other series such as “Your Lie in April,” “Hunter x Hunter,” “Winx Club,” and numerous others.

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2024-08-12 19:17