Rachael Lillis, Voice Actor For Pokémon Anime’s Misty And Jessie, Has Passed Away

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Rachael Lillis, the beloved voice actor known for bringing iconic Pokémon characters Misty, Jessie, and Jigglypuff to life in the English dub of the anime. Lillis passed away at the age of 46 after a battle with breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with earlier this year.

The heartbreaking news was shared by Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum in the original Pokémon series. Taylor described Lillis as “an extraordinary talent” and “a bright light” in the voice acting community. Her performances left an indelible mark on the Pokémon franchise, shaping the childhoods of countless fans around the world.

Lillis began her career in the 1990s, with Misty and Jessie being among her most famous roles. Her portrayal of Misty, one of Ash Ketchum’s first companions, captured the character’s fiery spirit and tender heart, while her performance as Jessie of Team Rocket brought humor and depth to one of the series’ most enduring villains. Jigglypuff’s singing, which Lillis voiced, became a memorable part of the Pokémon anime, known for its comedic moments.

Beyond Pokémon, Lillis had a diverse career in voice acting, lending her voice to various other anime series, video games, and animated shows. Some of her notable roles outside of Pokémon include Kanako Urashima in Love Hina, and Najica Hiiragi in Najica Blitz Tactics.

Following the announcement of her passing, members of the voice acting and Pokémon communities took to social media to pay their respects. The Pokémon Company themselves expressed their condolences, acknowledging the impact Lillis had on the franchise and its fans.

Rachael Lillis’ contributions to the world of anime and voice acting will be remembered by many, and her legacy will continue to live on through the characters she brought to life. Her work touched the hearts of fans across the globe, and she will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.