Rachael Lillis, ‘Pokémon’ Star Who Voiced Misty and Jessie, Dies at 46 – National
Rachael Lillis, a voice actress who has brought many Pokemon‘s most beloved characters, died at the age of 46.
Lillis was diagnosed with breast cancer in May. Her sister announced her death in a news update. GoFundMe Page support Lillis’ medical treatment.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce the passing of Rachael. She passed away peacefully Saturday night, without pain, and for that we are grateful,” wrote Laurie Orr.
Lillis is best known for providing the voice of Misty in the English version of the film. Pokemon Animated series. Misty was the main female protagonist of the series’ first five seasons, traveling alongside Ash Ketchum and Brock on a series of adventures before returning to her original job as the Cerulean Gym Leader. Her place in the main trio was taken over by the characters May and later Dawn.
Lillis also brought to life one of the series’ main antagonists, Jessie, a member of Team Rocket alongside James and a talking Pokémon, Meowth. Team Rocket would hatch outlandish plans to steal Pokémon, often involving outlandish mechanical robots, but they were thwarted by the trio of heroes.
In addition to Misty and Jessie, Lillis also lent her voice to Jigglypuff, a singing pink Pokémon.
Ash Ketchum’s voice actor paid tribute to Lillis on Xformerly Twitter, calling her an “extraordinary talent” and a “truly special” friend.
“We all know Rachael Lillis for the many wonderful roles she played. She filled our Saturday mornings and before and after school hours with her beautiful voice, terrific sense of humor, and remarkable acting skills,” Veronica Taylor wrote.
Taylor lamented that Lillis “shined brightly and was gone too soon.”
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“I was fortunate to know Rachael as a friend. She had boundless kindness and compassion, even to the end. She had a great sense of humor, was wonderful to be around, incredibly intelligent and had an excellent memory. She worked hard and cared deeply for others,” Taylor wrote.
“I don’t know how that very dark void will be filled now that her light is no longer shining there,” Taylor added. “She will live on in our memories for eternity.”
Lillis began voice acting in the 1990s and has appeared in hundreds of television shows, films, and video games throughout her decades-long career.
Outside of PokemonShe starred in the famous Italian-American cartoon Winx Club and critically acclaimed anime Your lie in April And Hunter x Hunter. Lillis often appeared at anime conventions where she met fans from all over the world.
Despite her passing, donations to Lillis’ GoFundMe page continue to pour in. Her sister said the remaining donations will go toward ongoing medical expenses and a memorial service in her honor. Any remaining money will go to cancer causes.
One fan, Angela Tan, donated money after Lillis’ death and wrote that the actor “made my Saturday mornings so much more exciting growing up.”
“(T)hank you for playing a big role in my childhood and shaping the person I am today! I will continue to watch Pokémon in memory of you.”
Another fan, Robel Loul, wrote that they “wouldn’t be who I am today without incredible voice actors like Rachael who bring the characters to life, gave me motivation, strength, taught me to never give up and most importantly blessed me with an incredible childhood.”
“She will outlive us all because of the incredible characters she brought to life. A form of eternal life in a way. And that makes me really happy,” Loul wrote.
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