Rachael Lillis, the Voice of Pokemon's Misty and Jessie, Dies at 46

As a lifelong Pokemon fan, the news of Rachael Lillis’ passing has left me heartbroken. Her voice brought Misty and Jessie to life, characters that were a significant part of my childhood and continue to be a part of my adulthood. I remember staying up late on Saturdays just to catch the latest episode, eagerly awaiting Lillis’ comedic timing and captivating performances.

Currently, the anime community is grieving over the passing of Rachael Lillis. Known for her voice acting roles dating back to 1997, Lillis left an indelible impact, particularly through her work as Misty and Jessie in Pokemon, which resonated across generations. Tragically, she lost her life on August 10, during her fight against breast cancer. She was 46 years old.

In a letter shared today, Veronica Taylor – Ash Ketchum’s original English voice actor – confirmed the news. “Rachael Lillis, whom we all know from her exceptional roles, was the one who graced our Saturday mornings and pre-/post-school hours with her enchanting voice, spot-on comedic delivery, and outstanding acting talent,” Taylor penned.

“Rachael was an exceptional artist, whose radiant voice captivated listeners whether she spoke or sang. She left an indelible mark on our hearts through her lively portrayals of various characters, particularly Misty and Jessie from Pokemon, which resonated deeply with fans. Rachael was deeply touched by the outpouring of kindness and support she received during her courageous fight against cancer. This love and encouragement made a significant difference in her journey. At this time, her family asks for privacy as they mourn her loss. A memorial service is being arranged for a later date.”

If you’re not already familiar with Lillis, let me fill you in: She embarked on her professional acting career in 1997 following studies in Boston and New York City. Her training was primarily stage-based, but she later branched out into voiceover work for a variety of projects such as video games, audiobooks, and anime series. In 2013, Lillis shifted to Los Angeles for her work commitments. In May 2024, she made her breast cancer diagnosis public. Among the many anime dubs she contributed to, you might recognize her from roles like Misty and Jessie. However, she poured her heart into every character she portrayed.

Our thoughts are with Lillis’ loved ones during this difficult time.

2024-08-12 18:09

Rachael Lillis, the Voice of Pokemon’s Misty and Jessie, Dies at 46

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