Pokémon Voice Legend and Misty Voiceover Rachael Lillis Dies at 55

Rachael Lillis, the beloved voice actress behind iconic Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, passed away at 55 on August 10, 2024, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the news on their GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and friends. The campaign, exceeding $100,000 in donations, will cover medical expenses, a memorial service, and support cancer research.

Fellow voice actors paid heartfelt tributes. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, lauded Lillis' exceptional talent and kindness. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, noted Lillis' appreciation for the outpouring of love. Fans also shared their memories, celebrating Lillis' impact on their childhoods through her roles in Pokémon, ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena,’ and Ape Escape 2.

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis honed her vocal skills through opera training. Her extensive voice acting career included an impressive 423 Pokémon episodes (1997-2015), along with roles as Jigglypuff in Super Smash Bros. and the 2019 film ‘Detective Pikachu.’ A memorial service is planned for a later date.

The loss of Rachael Lillis is deeply felt by the voice acting community and Pokémon fans worldwide. Her legacy as a talented and compassionate artist will continue to inspire.