Rachael Lillis (Super Festivals/Creative Commons/flickr)
- Pokémon voice actor Rachael Lillis, who played characters Misty, Jessie and more, has died from breast cancer.
- Lillis starred in the Pokémon games, films and the English dub version of the hit animated series since the 1990s, which aired locally on SABC.
- "It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, 10 August 2024," Lillis' co-star Veronica Taylor wrote in a statement.
Pokémon voice actor Rachael Lillis, who played characters Misty, Jessie and more, has died from breast cancer.
The actor was 55, The New York Times confirmed.
Lillis starred in the Pokémon games, films and the English dub version of the hit animated series since the 1990s, which aired locally on SABC. The Japanese media franchise also includes trading cards, mobile games, merchandise and more.
Lillis' death was announced by fellow Pokémon actor Veronica Taylor, who voiced the protagonist Ash Ketchum in the series and attended this year's Cape Town Comic Con.
"It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, 10 August 2024," Taylor wrote in a statement.
"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, with her iconic performances as Pokémon's Misty and Jessie being the most beloved," Taylor said.
Taylor continued:
Rachael was so thankful for all of the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled with cancer. It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately.
Taylor uploaded the statement on Instagram, writing in the caption:
"We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played. She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills."
"I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend. She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end," Taylor added.
"She had a great sense of humour, was wonderful to be around, was incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory for moments - real or animated. She worked hard and cared deeply.
"I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it. She passed away during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. Like those shooting stars, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity."
In May 2024, Lillis' sister Laurie Orr started a GoFundMe campaign for her medical expenses from her breast cancer treatment. Orr announced on the website that Lillis died "peacefully Saturday night".
"Unfortunately, regrettably, I was not with her; it was just this past week that she was starting to decline. This was unexpected, and we are completely grief-stricken," Orr wrote.
"Rachael ('Rae' as we called her) was a beautiful, smart, talented person with a kind heart who was so moved by all of you! (I would forward emails and comments to her, just in case she missed any!)," Orr continued.
Orr shared that Lillis was emotional to see the support she was getting through GoFundMe.
The official social media accounts for Pokémon also paid tribute to her.
"We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rachael Lillis. Her performance in the Pokémon animated series will be cherished by the many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her special talent," Pokémon said in a statement.
"She will be remembered for generations to come, and we will always keep her close in our hearts. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends," the statement continued.
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rachael Lillis. Her performance in the Pokémon animated series will be cherished by the many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her special talent. She will be remembered for generations to come, and…
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) August 12, 2024
Lillis had a background in theatre, having studied acting in Boston and New York City.
She also featured in Hunter x Hunter, Winx Club, and many other films and series. According to IMDB, she appeared in 423 episodes of Pokémon between 1997 and 2015.
