Pokémon series voice actress Rachael Lillis passes toward at 46
Pokémon voice actress Rachael Lillis, who starred in the Pokémon TV series, films, and video games dating back to the late 1990s, has died of breast cancer at the age of 46.
Lillis voiced the main Pokémon characters of Misty and Jessie, among many others, in the beloved Japanese animated series. Her death was announced by Veronica Taylor, who co-starred as Pokémon character Ash Ketchum.
Ms. Taylor wrote: “Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice, whether speaking or singing."
“We all knew Rachael Lillis for the many wonderful roles she played," Ms. Taylor wrote on social media on Monday.
“She filled our Saturday mornings and after-school hours with her beautiful voice, terrific comic timing, and remarkable acting skills.”
She said Lillis was grateful for the support she received as she battled cancer.
“It truly made a positive difference,” Ms. Taylor said.
Lillis’s sister also confirmed her death on an online site that had raised money for her cancer treatment.
“This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken,” wrote Laurie Orr, adding that her sister's condition began to decline last week. “My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, but I am comforted knowing she is free,” she said.
Lillis was born in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1978 and trained in opera at university before becoming a voice actor.
Her voice appeared in 423 episodes of Pokémon between 1997 and 2015, according to IMDb.
She also voiced the Pokémon character Jigglypuff, including in the 2019 film Detective Pikachu and in the Super Smash Bros. video game series.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
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