Famed Pokemon Voice Actor Passes at Age 55

Rachael Lillis, the unforgettable voice behind Pokémon's Misty and Jessie, passes away at 55 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

A Wave of Grief for Beloved Pokémon Voice Actress

Friends, Family, and Fans Remember Rachael Lillis

The world of voice acting mourns the loss of Rachael Lillis, who passed away peacefully on August 10th, 2024, at the age of 55. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the sad news via their GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support received during Lillis' illness. The campaign, exceeding $100,000 in donations, will now cover medical expenses and support cancer research in her honor.

Orr highlighted Lillis' joy in connecting with fans at conventions, cherishing the memories of those interactions. The actress's kindness and compassion were evident to all who knew her.

Fellow voice actress and close friend, Veronica Taylor (Ash Ketchum), shared a heartfelt tribute on Twitter (X), praising Lillis' exceptional talent and unwavering kindness. Tara Sands (Bulbasaur) also expressed her condolences, noting Lillis' profound impact on many lives. Fans across social media echoed these sentiments, remembering Lillis’ contributions to their childhoods through her memorable roles in Pokémon, ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena,’ and Ape Escape 2.

Lillis' impressive career spanned decades, encompassing 423 Pokémon episodes (1997-2015), as well as roles in Super Smash Bros. and ‘Detective Pikachu.’ Her operatic training during college years laid the foundation for her distinctive voice. Born July 8th, 1969, in Niagara Falls, New York, her legacy as a gifted and beloved voice actress will endure.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.