Rachael Lillis, actress who gave voice to Pokemon's Jessie and Misty, dies at 46

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rachael Lillis, the talented voice actress known for bringing to life beloved Pokemon characters, died at the age of 46.

Lillis, who voiced Misty and Jessie in the show, died on Saturday, August 10, her co-star Veronica Taylor, who gave voice to the main character Ash Ketchum, confirmed.

How did Rachael Lillis die?

Lillis died after losing battle to cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in May.

Since January 2024, the voice actress has been living in a nursing home, according to Daily Mail.

Speaking about Lillis, Taylor said, "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," she wrote on X.

"I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it," Taylor added.

Rachael Lillis' iconic roles in Pokemon

Lillis became a household name for her roles in the Pokemon series which first aired in 1996.

She voiced fan favorite Misty, the fiery and strong-willed water-type, who accompanied Ash Ketchum on his adventures.

Lillis also brought to life Jessie, a member of mischievous Team Rocket duo that persistently tried to thwart Ash and steal his Pikachu.

In addition to these roles, Lillis voiced the singing Pokemon Jigglypuff in both the animated series and the popular Super Smash Brothers Nintendo game.

Her work extended beyond Pokemon with roles in acclaimed shows such as 'Your Lie in April', 'Hunter x Hunter', and 'Winx Club'.

GoFundMe page set up for Rachael Lillis

In a GoFundMe page setup to support Lillis' illness, her sister Orr said that the voice actress' health had taken a sudden turn in the past week.

"This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken. My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free," said Orr.

"She remembered many of you that she happily met at conventions, for instance, and related stories to us about the experience and all the people she appreciated meeting," she added.

Internet mourns the death of Rachael Lillis

Mourning the death of the iconic voice actress, netizens paid tribute to Lillis who died after her battle with cancer.

One user on X wrote, "Goodbye and thank you for a childhood of memories, Rachael Lillis." Another tweeted, "I'm truly heartbroken to hear this one, Rachael is a legendary staple of my youth, and I'll never forget the adventures she helped bring to life. God bless her, and may we ever keep her memory alive."

"Rest in peace Rachael Lillis, a huge talent and part of our collective childhoods. It's incredibly difficult find more words to say," a user penned. Another netizen commented, "This is shocking, and very cruel. She was such an amazing actress. Growing up on the first of the show, I always admired her performances. I hope she was at peace."

"At a loss for words...fly high, Rachael Lillis...gone far too soon," an individual tweeted. Someone wrote, "May she rest in peace, thanks for the memories."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.