Rachael Lillis, Voice of Pokémon’s Misty and Jessie, Dead at 46

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Rachael Lillis, Voice of Pokémon's Misty and Jessie, Dead at 46

Rachael Lillis, who voiced both Misty and Jessie in various Pokémon projects, has died at the age of 46.

Lillis passed away on August 10th after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May. Her death was announced today (August 12th) through a Twitter post by Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum in the Pokémon franchise.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis,” Taylor wrote. “She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills.”

Taylor continued, “Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing. She will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played… Rachael was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled cancer. It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial is being planned for a future date.”

Lillis was best known for her roles as the gym leader Misty and the Team Rocket member Jessie in the televised Pokémon series, as well as its many film spinoffs. She also voiced the Pokémon Jigglypuff, who has made appearances throughout the franchise, including 2019’s Detective Pikachu and the Super Smash Bros. video games.

Outside of the Pokémon universe, Lillis lent her talents to several other properties, from additional anime series like Genshiken and Hunter × Hunter to video games like Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures and Lego Jurassic World.

“I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend. She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end. 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,” Taylor wrote in an additional post. “I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it. Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity.”

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