Legendary voice actress, Rachael Lillis, best known for voicing the characters of Jessie and Misty on fan-favorite anime program, “Pokemon,” has passed away at the all-too young age of 46. According to the NY Post, Lillis died on Aug. 10, after experiencing a short, but difficult battle with breast cancer. She was first diagnosed with the illness back in May. This is a huge loss for not only fans of Pokemon but also for anyone who loves animation, which has really come into a storytelling art form all its own.
The news of Lillis passing first went public after Pokemon co-star, Veronica Taylor, posted a statement on social media platform X on Monday, Aug. 12. “It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, 10 August 2024,” Taylor said in the post.“Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing. She will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played, with her iconic performances as Pokemon’s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved.”
“Rachael was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled cancer,” she then stated. “It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial is being planned for a future date.”
https://x.com/TheVeronicaT/status/1823000035883438271
Lillis’ career as a voice actor started in the 1990s when she first began to do the English voice over for Misty during the 1997 “Pokemon” series. Her character, who is aspiring to be a Water Pokemon Master, is also a close friend of the main character, Ash Ketchum. She quickly became a favorite among fans of the show. The voice actress then expanded her place in the Pokemon universe by providing the voice for one of the series’ villains, Jessie. The character is part of Team Rocket, a trio of bad guys who follow Ash and his friend in an effort to steal one of the Pokemon, probably the most famous of all of them, Pikachu.
Lillis’ credits playing Misty and Jessie include “Pokémon: The First Movie,” plus “Pokémon: The Movie 2000,” “Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns,” “Pokémon 3: The Movie,” “Pokémon 4Ever,” “Pokémon Heroes,” “Pokémon Jirachi – Wish Maker,” “Pokémon the Movie: Destiny Deoxys” and “Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew,” among others. She also gave other notable performances in the “Pokémon” universe, voicing the character Jigglypuff, whom she also played in all four of Nintendo’s “Super Smash Bros.” games.
“I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend,” she added. “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. She worked hard and cared deeply.”
She continued, “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.”
Along with her roles in Pokemon, she also provided voice work for “Your Lie in April,” “Hunter x Hunter,” and “Winx Club.”
Sending thoughts and prayers to all those mourning this heavy loss.
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