Rachael Lillis, Pokémon voice actor of Misty, Jessie, and Jigglypuff, dies of cancer
Rachael Lillis, the Pokémon voice actor behind the characters Misty, Jessie, Jigglypuff, and more, has died of cancer. She was 46.
Veronica Taylor, Lillis's colleague who voiced the main character Ash Ketchum, announced her passing on X last Aug. 12.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, 10 August 2024,” Taylor said in a statement posted as a text image. "Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing."
Taylor said Lillis, who was reportedly diagnosed with breast cancer last May, will "be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played."
Taylor said Lillis "was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled cancer."
"It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately," she added. "A memorial is being planned for a future date.”
In her tweet, Taylor also noted how Lillis "filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills."
Taylor said she's "lucky enough" to know Lillis as a friend.
"She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end. She had a great sense of humor, was wonderful to be with, incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory. She worked hard and cared deeply," Taylor said.
"I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it," Taylor said in another tweet. "Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity."
Eric Stuart, who voiced the character James in Pokémon, also wrote a tribute to his "dear friend."
“So sad. She was one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest people. My dear friend for so many years,” he wrote on X. “Celebrate her life by watching OG Pokemon, especially Team Rocket, she will always be my partner in comedic crime. RIP my friend.”
Lillis began her voice acting career in the '90s. She appeared in hundreds of television shows, anime series, video games, and more through the late 2010s.
Her iconic roles include Misty, the gym leader who specializes in water-type Pokémon and one of the most beloved characters in the franchise alongside Brock, Ash, and the yellow mouse-like Pokemon, Pikachu.
She also voiced Jessie, the antagonist who's part of the crime syndicate Team Rocket alongside her partner James and Meowth, a catlike creature who talks like a human.
She also lent her voice to Jigglypuff, the pink, spherical creature who can make other Pokémon and people sleep with her singing.
Lillis's film credits include Pokémon: The First Movie, Pokémon: The Movie 2000, Mewtwo Returns, Spell of the Unown, Pokémon 4Ever, Pokémon Heroes, Jirachi Wish Maker, Destiny Deoxys, and Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.