Breaking: Pokémon Voice Actress Rachael Lillis Deceased at 55

Rachael Lillis, the celebrated voice actress behind iconic Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, passed away at age 55 on August 10, 2024, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her sister, Laurie Orr, shared the sad news via their GoFundMe page, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and friends. The campaign, which surpassed $100,000 in donations, will now cover medical expenses, a memorial service, and support cancer research.

Tributes poured in from fellow voice actors and fans alike. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum, remembered Lillis as an extraordinary talent with boundless kindness. Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, echoed the sentiment, highlighting Lillis's profound impact and the comfort in knowing she's no longer suffering. Fans shared cherished memories of her memorable performances, not only in Pokémon but also in shows like 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' and 'Ape Escape 2'.

Lillis's career spanned over 423 episodes of the Pokémon anime (1997-2015), and she also voiced Jigglypuff in the Super Smash Bros. series and the 2019 film 'Detective Pikachu'. A memorial service is planned for a later date. Born July 8, 1969, in Niagara Falls, New York, Lillis honed her vocal skills through opera training before achieving remarkable success in voice acting. Her legacy as a beloved performer and kind individual continues to inspire.