Rachael Lillis, the original voice of Misty and Jessie in the English-language versions of the Pokémon anime and other characters in many games and anime, has died at the age of 55.
Lillis’ death was announced today in a post on Twitter/X by Veronica Taylor, the original voice of Ash Ketchum from the Pokémon anime. Lillis had been battling cancer for some time, and according to Taylor, the voice actor died on Aug. 10.
The loss of Lillis is a heavy blow for Pokémon fans as she voiced multiple iconic characters in the series. Misty has been an indelible part of the series since the anime’s very first episode, with Jessie entering the fray alongside Team Rocket in episode two. In addition to these two characters, Lillis also provided voice acting for several of the show’s Pokémon, including Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff, Goldeen, Lapras, and more, as well as several other characters in her run with the show. Her last credited role in the Pokémon anime came in 2015, returning as Jigglypuff almost 20 years after the show first aired in 1997.
“She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end,” Taylor wrote in tribute to Lillis. “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.”
After Taylor’s post, the official Pokémon account also posted a tribute to Lillis, saying her performances would be “cherished by the many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her special talent.”
Fan tributes to Lillis have poured in on social media and in the comments under Taylor’s announcement as many Pokémon players and viewers expressed their sorrow and condolences. Lillis’ voice was one that many fans clearly grew up hearing and associated with the wonder and joy of the early days of Pokémon.
From plotting devious schemes to emotional goodbyes with Pokémon, Lillis’ acting was a pillar on which the original Pokémon anime stood. She will be missed.
Update Aug. 15 4:00pm CT: A previous version of this article stated Lillis was 46 years old when she died. This age has been updated.
Published: Aug 12, 2024 11:42 am