Rachael Lillis, a talented voice actor known for her roles as Misty, Jessie, and other characters in the “Pokémon” franchise has died. She passed away on August 10, following a breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year, at the age of 55.
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Although initial reports stated that Lillis was 46 years old, the New York Times confirmed through her little sister, Laurie Orr, that she was born on July 8, 1969.
In May, Laurie Orr launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for Lillis’ medical expenses. On Monday, Orr updated the GoFundMe page, noting that Lillis had begun to decline over the past week.
“This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken,” Orr wrote “We ask for peace, for now, as her family grieves this loss.”
“My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free,” Orr added. Orr said that the funds raised will go toward remaining medical bills, a memorial service, and causes in her name, especially toward efforts to tackle cancer.
In 1998, she lent her voice to Misty, the gym leader specializing in water-type Pokémon, in the original “Pokémon” anime. Misty quickly became one of the most beloved characters in the early “Pokémon” universe, sharing the spotlight with Ash, his Pikachu, and their friend Brock. Additionally, Lillis voiced Jessie, one half of the notorious Team Rocket, alongside her partner James and their talking Meowth.
Lillis brought the pink, melodious Pokémon Jigglypuff to life, lending her voice to the character in all four installments of Nintendo’s “Super Smash Bros.” series, as well as to Goldeen in the games. She also portrayed Misty and Jessie in several Pokémon movies, including Pokémon: The First Movie and Pokémon: The Movie 2000, among others.
Friends and Fans Mourn the Passing of ‘Pokémon’ Star Rachael Lillis
On Monday morning, Veronica Taylor, Lillis’ co-star in “Pokémon” who voiced Ash Ketchum, shared a statement on X announcing Lillis’ passing.
“We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played. She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills,” Taylor wrote in part. “I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend. She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end. She had a great sense of humor, was wonderful to be with, incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory. [Racael Lillis] worked hard and cared deeply. I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it. Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity.”
On Monday, Pokémon fans also took to social media to share their condolences. many shared their favorite moments featuring Lillis from the show.
“An icon gone too soon. Rachael Lillis was responsible for so many happy Saturday mornings for so many kids, myself included,” voice actor Kaiji Von Tang wrote on X. “We will always remember your voice.”
Eric Stuart, who acted alongside Lillis while voicing the character James in Pokémon, also honored her with a heartfelt tribute.
“So sad. She was one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest people. My dear friend for so many years,” Stuart posted on X. “Celebrate her life by watching OG Pokemon, especially Team Rocket, she will always be my partner in comedic crime. RIP my friend.”