Fans and Colleagues Mourn Pokémon Star Rachael Lillis, Dead at 46
Rachael Lillis, the beloved voice actor known for her iconic roles as Misty and Jessie in the Pokémon series, has passed away at the age of 46 following a battle with breast cancer. Friends, colleagues, and fans took to social media on Monday to honor the actress, remembering her as a cherished figure in the world of animation.
The news of Lillis’ passing was shared by her longtime co-star Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum in the Pokémon TV series. Taylor announced Lillis’ death in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that she passed away on the evening of August 10. According to reports, Lillis had been diagnosed with cancer in May of this year.
Lillis began her voice acting career in the 1990s, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her roles in television, anime, and video games. Beyond Misty and Jessie, Lillis also lent her voice to the character Jigglypuff in Pokémon, further cementing her legacy in the franchise.
“We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played,” Taylor wrote in her post. “She filled our Saturday mornings and after-school hours with her beautiful voice, her impeccable comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills.”
Taylor also conveyed the Lillis family’s gratitude for the outpouring of support, adding that they are taking time to grieve privately. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
In May, Lillis’ sister Laurie Orr created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her medical expenses. On Monday, Orr shared an update on the page, expressing the family’s profound grief. “This was unexpected, and we are completely heartbroken,” Orr wrote. “We ask for peace during this time as we navigate this loss.”
“My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, but I find comfort in knowing she is now free,” Orr continued. She also mentioned that the funds raised will be used to cover remaining medical bills, a memorial service, and charitable causes in Lillis’ name, particularly those dedicated to cancer research.
Fans of the Pokémon series expressed their condolences across social media platforms, sharing memories and favorite moments of Lillis’ work.
“RIP Rachael Lillis. Gone far too soon,” one fan posted on X, alongside photos of Lillis and the characters she brought to life.
Others shared clips of their favorite scenes featuring Lillis’ voice work.
“With the sad news of Rachael Lillis’ passing, I wanted to share my favorite voice acting moment from her,” one fan wrote. “The genuine emotion she brought to Misty in this scene is just beautiful.”
Voice actor Kaiji Von Tang also paid tribute, saying, “An icon gone too soon. Rachael Lillis was responsible for so many happy Saturday mornings for so many kids, myself included. We will always remember your voice.”
Eric Stuart, who voiced James in Pokémon and worked closely with Lillis, shared his grief in a touching post. “So sad. She was one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest people. My dear friend for so many years,” Stuart wrote. “Celebrate her life by watching OG Pokémon, especially Team Rocket. She will always be my partner in comedic crime. RIP, my friend.”
