Pokémon Voice Actress Rachael Lillis Passes Away at 46

• Rachael Lillis, known for her roles in Pokémon, passed away at 46 after battling cancer.
• Lillis’s career extended beyond Pokémon, voicing characters in Winx Club, Shadow of the Elves, and Dinosaur King.
• A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help fund a home care nurse for Lillis during her illness.
• Lillis’s passing is a significant loss to the animation and voice acting world, but her legacy will continue through her iconic characters.

The animation and voice acting world is in mourning following the loss of Rachael Lillis, a beloved talent who passed away at the age of 46 after a courageous battle with cancer. Lillis, best known for her iconic roles as Jessie, Misty, and Jigglypuff in the Pokémon animated series, left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of fans worldwide. Her voice, described as a bright light that shone whether speaking or singing, will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played.

The news of Lillis’s passing was shared by Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash Ketchum in Pokémon, in a heartfelt post. Taylor expressed her grief, stating, It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, August 10, 2024. She went on to praise Lillis’s extraordinary talent and her iconic performances as Pokémon’s Misty and Jessie, which she described as the most beloved.

Lillis’s Legacy in Animation

Lillis’s voice acting career was not limited to Pokémon. She also lent her voice to characters in other animated series such as Winx Club, Shadow of the Elves, and Dinosaur King. Her contributions to the animation industry extended to movie adaptations, including Pokémon: The First Movie in 1998, Pokémon: The Movie 2000, and Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns (2001), as well as the Pokémon Puzzle League video game. Her other English language voice acting credits include Your Lie in April, Hunter x Hunter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.

Taylor expressed gratitude for the support Lillis received during her illness, noting that it made a positive impact. She also shared that Lillis’s family is taking time to grieve privately, with plans for a memorial in the future. A GoFundMe Campaign was launched in May of this year to help fund a home care nurse for Rachael as she battled cancer. The campaign was set up by her sister Laurie Orr, who posted an update to say that Rachael had passed away peacefully, without pain, and surrounded by infinite Love.

Remembering Rachael Lillis

Fans and colleagues alike remember Lillis for her remarkable voice work, which brought joy to countless fans during Saturday mornings and after-school hours. Taylor described Lillis as a kind and compassionate friend with a great sense of humor and remarkable intelligence. Rachael had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end, Taylor continued. She worked hard and cared deeply. Her light has left a dark void, akin to a shooting star—bright and magnificent, but gone too soon. Rachael will live on in our memories forever.

The voice acting community and fans around the world mourn the loss of Rachael Lillis, whose contributions to animation will be cherished and remembered. Her passing has left a void in the industry, but her legacy will continue to inspire and entertain future generations. As Taylor poignantly put it, I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it.

In the wake of her passing, fans, friends, and loved ones donated nearly $98,000 of the $100,000 goal listed on her GoFundMe page. The funds donated in Rachael Lillis’s memory will go towards any remaining medical bills, a memorial service for her, and causes in her name, specifically toward efforts to combat cancer.

In conclusion, Rachael Lillis’s passing is a significant loss to the world of animation and voice acting. Her talent, kindness, and dedication to her craft will be sorely missed, but her legacy will live on in the iconic characters she brought to life. As fans and colleagues mourn her loss, they also celebrate the joy and entertainment she brought to millions around the world. Her passing serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of cancer, bringing to mind other notable figures in the entertainment industry who have also succumbed to the disease. Like Lillis, they left behind a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain.