Rachael Lillis, renowned for her roles as Misty and Jessie in the English-language version of the beloved TV series “Pokémon,” has passed away at the age of 55. The actress, who had been battling breast cancer earlier this year, died on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
Lillis, based in Los Angeles, was a cherished figure in the anime community. Her death was confirmed on Monday by Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum in “Pokémon.” Taylor shared her grief on social media, remembering Lillis as a kind and compassionate friend. “Rachael had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end,” Taylor wrote. “She had a great sense of humor, was wonderful to be around, was incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory for moments—real or animated. She worked hard and cared deeply.”
The Pokémon Company International expressed their condolences, highlighting Lillis’s impact on fans of the series. “Her performance in the Pokémon animated series will be cherished by the many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her special talent,” the statement read. “She will be remembered for generations to come, and we will always keep her close in our hearts.”
Despite initial reports listing Lillis’s age as 46, it has been confirmed by The New York Times, which spoke with Lillis’s sister Laurie Orr, that she was born on July 8, 1969. Lillis was originally from Niagara Falls, New York, and began her career in voice acting in the 1980s. She gained prominence in the 1990s when she joined the English cast of “Pokémon,” a Japanese anime based on the popular Pokémon video games.
Beyond her iconic roles in “Pokémon,” Lillis voiced several other anime characters, including Catty in “Gall Force” and Utena Tenjô in “Revolutionary Girl Utena.” Her most recent credited role was in the animated series “Ollie & Scoops” in 2019.
Rachael Lillis’s contributions to the world of animation will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike. Her legacy continues through the characters she brought to life and the warmth she shared with those around her.
