Pokémon Misty and Jessie Voice Actress Rachael Lillis Dies
Rachael Lillis, a voice actress who starred as Misty, Jessie and more in many “Pokémon” movies and series, died Aug. 10. She was 46 years old.
Lillis was diagnosed with breast cancer in May. Veronica Taylor, Lillis’ “Pokemon” co-star who voiced lead character Ash Ketchum, posted a statement on X Monday morning announcing Lillis’ death.
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, August 10, 2024,” Taylor wrote. “Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice no matter what. She speaks or sings. She will forever be remembered for the many animated characters she played, with her standout performances as Misty and Jessie from ‘Pokemon’ being the most beloved. Rachel was very grateful for all the generous love and support she was given as she battled cancer. It has really made a positive difference. His family also wishes to thank you as they grieve privately at this time. A memorial is being planned for a future date.
Lillis began voice acting in the 1990s and by the late 2010s had appeared in hundreds of TV shows, anime series, video games, and more. She voiced the gym leader Misty, who specializes in water-type creatures, in the original 1998 “Pokémon” anime. Misty, along with Ash, her Pikachu and their friend Brock, became one of the most popular characters in the early “Pokémon” universe. . Lillis also voices Jessie, along with her companion James and their talking Meowth.
He brought the pink, singing Pokémon Jigglypuff to life, among many other creatures. Lillis voices Jigglypuff in all four entries in Nintendo’s popular “Super Smash Bros” fighting game series. He also voiced Pokemon Golden in the games. Lillis appeared as Misty and Jessie in 1999’s “Pokemon: The First Movie,” as well as “Pokemon: The Movie 2000,” “Meowto Returns,” “Spell of the Unknown,” “Pokemon 4 Ever,” “Pokemon Heroes.” ,” “Jirachi Wish Maker,” “Destiny’s Dukes,” “Lucario and the Mystery of Mew” and more.
We all know Rachel Lillis from her many iconic roles. She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her fantastic comic timing, and her amazing acting skills,” Taylor wrote. “I was lucky enough to have Rachel as a friend. know as He had infinite kindness and compassion, even to the end. He had a great sense of humor, was great to be with, incredibly intelligent, and such a memory.
He worked hard and cared deeply.I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that his light no longer shines through it. Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a wonderful wonder and truly special. She burned brightly and disappeared very quickly. She will live on in our memories forever.”
Outside of “Pokémon,” Lillis also had voice roles in “Your Lie in April,” “Hunter x Hunter,” “Winx Club” and many more
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Rachel Lillis, the actress who voiced numerous Pokemon characters in the cartoon series and movies, including Misty, Jessie and Jigglypuff, has died at the age of 46.
Lillis was diagnosed with breast cancer in May and died on Saturday.
Her Pokemon co-star Veronica Taylor, who voiced lead character Ash Ketchum in the English dub, announced Lillis’ death on social media “with a very heavy heart”.
“Rachel was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether she was speaking or singing,” Taylor wrote. “She will forever be remembered for the many animated characters she has played, with her standout performances as Pokemon’s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved.
Rachael was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given by Pokémon family to her as she battled cancer. It truly made a positive difference
He added: “I was lucky to know Rachael as a friend. She had infinite kindness and compassion, even to the end. She had a great sense of humour, she was great to be around. , incredibly intelligent, and such a memory. She worked hard and cared deeply. I’m not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light is no longer there Shining
Lillis’ sister Laurie Orr announced the death on a GoFundMe page that was set up to cover some of Lillis’ medical care, and raised $98,000. “She passed peacefully Saturday night without incident, and for that we are grateful,” Orr wrote, adding that the funds will go toward the remaining bills, a memorial service and cancer research.
Born in New York in 1978, Lillis trained in opera before becoming a voice actor in the 1990s. She has appeared in hundreds of TV shows, movies and games. She voiced Misty, a gym leader who specializes in water-type creatures, in the 1998 English dub of the Pokémon anime. Misty was one of the main characters of the show, along with the hero Ash, his Pikachu and fellow gym leader, Brock.
Lillis also voices the villain Jesse, one half of Team Rocket, and several Pokémon creatures, including Jigglypuff, Vulpix, Venonat, and Golden. She appeared in 423 episodes of the Japanese cartoon, one of the biggest franchises of the 90s.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Rachel Lillis’ passing,” a spokesperson for The Pokemon Company International said in a statement on Tuesday. “Her performance in the Pokemon animated series will be loved by many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her unique talents. She will be remembered for generations to come and we will always have her in our hearts.” Will keep.
