Rachael Lillis, known for voicing Misty and Jessie in the Pokémon series, passed away on August 10 at the age of 46 after battling breast cancer since May.
Veronica Taylor, the spokesperson of Ash Ketchum in Pokémon, confirmed Lillis’s death on Monday on X (formerly Twitter). Taylor expressed deep sadness and praised Lillis’s extraordinary talent, especially in her roles as Misty and Jessie. “Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing,” Taylor wrote. She also thanked fans for their support during Lillis’s illness and mentioned that a memorial service will be planned later.
Lillis began her voice acting career in the 1990s and gained fame for her work in TV shows, anime series, and video games. She brought beloved characters like Misty, the water-type Pokémon trainer, and Jessie from Team Rocket to life. Her voice was also featured in popular games like “Super Smash Brothers” and many Pokémon films.
Taylor remembered Lillis as a kind, compassionate friend with a great sense of humor and remarkable acting skills. “She filled our Saturday mornings with her beautiful voice and comic timing,” Taylor said. “Her light will be missed, but she will live on in our memories forever.”
In addition to her Pokémon roles, Lillis voiced characters in “Your Lie in April,” “Hunter x Hunter,” and “Winx Club,” among others.
