Rachael Lillis, the beloved voice actress known for her iconic roles in the Pokémon TV series, films, and video games, has died at the age of 46 after a battle with breast cancer. Lillis, who brought life to characters such as Misty and Jessie, passed away over the weekend, leaving fans and colleagues mourning her loss.
Her passing was announced by Veronica Taylor, who voiced the main character Ash Ketchum in the Pokémon series. Taylor shared the news on social media, praising Lillis as an “extraordinary talent” and a “bright light” whose voice resonated with audiences across generations.
“Rachael was more than just a voice actress,” Taylor wrote. “She was a remarkable performer who filled our lives with joy through her beautiful voice, impeccable comic timing, and exceptional acting skills. She will be deeply missed.”
Taylor also noted that Lillis had expressed gratitude for the support she received from fans and loved ones during her illness, saying it made a significant difference in her battle against cancer.
Lillis’s sister, Laurie Orr, confirmed the sad news on an online platform that had raised funds for her treatment. Orr described her sister’s death as “unexpected” and expressed profound grief, stating, “My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free.”
Born in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1978, Rachael Lillis initially trained in opera before transitioning to voice acting. Her career took off with Pokémon, where she voiced characters in 423 episodes from 1997 to 2015, according to IMDb. In addition to her work on the show, Lillis voiced Jigglypuff in the 2019 film Detective Pikachu and in the Super Smash Bros video game series.
A memorial service for Lillis is being planned, with details to be announced at a later date. Her legacy as a cherished member of the Pokémon family and the broader voice acting community will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of fans worldwide.