Rachel Lillis, the voice actress who played characters such as Misty and Jessie in many “Pokémon” movies and series, passed away on August 10. She was 46 years old.
Lilith was diagnosed with breast cancer in May. Veronica Taylor, Lilith’s “Pokémon” co-star and the voice of the main character, Ash Ketchum, posted a statement on X on Monday morning announcing Lilith’s death.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rachel Lillis on the evening of Saturday, August 10th, 2024,” Taylor wrote. “Rachel was an extraordinary talent, and her voice was a shining light whether she spoke or sang. She will forever be remembered for the many animated roles she played, most beloved for her iconic performances as Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie. Rachel was so grateful for all the outpouring of love and support given to her during her battle with cancer, which truly made a positive difference. Her family is also taking this time to grieve privately and would like to express their gratitude. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.”
Lilith began her voice acting career in the 1990s and appeared in hundreds of TV shows, anime series, video games, and more through the late 2010s. She voiced Misty, a gym leader who specializes in water-type creatures, in the original 1998 “Pokémon” anime. Misty became one of the most popular characters in the early “Pokémon” universe, alongside Satoshi, Pikachu, and their friend Sawtooth. Lilith also voiced Jessie, one half of the villainous Team Rocket, along with her teammates James and the talking Meowth.
She brought to life the pink singing Pokémon Jigglypuff, as well as several other creatures. Lilith voiced Jigglypuff in all four games of Nintendo’s popular fighting game series Super Smash Bros. Brawl. She also voiced the Pokémon Goldeen in the games. Lilith played the roles of Misty and Jessie in the 1999 Pokémon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back, Mewtwo Strikes Back, Pokémon Heroes, Jirachi: The Movie, Deoxys, and Lucario.
“We all know Rachel Lillis for the many incredible characters she played. She filled our Saturday mornings and after school with her beautiful voice, incredible comedic timing and extraordinary acting ability,” Taylor wrote. “I was fortunate to know Rachel as a friend. She had an infinite kindness and compassion until the very end. She had a great sense of humor, was fun to be around, was incredibly intelligent and had an incredible memory. She worked hard and cared deeply. I don’t know how this very dark void will ever be filled now that her light no longer shines. Like a shooting star in the Perseid meteor shower, Rachel was amazing and truly special. She shone brightly and was gone too soon. She will live on in our memories forever.”
In addition to “Pokémon,” Lilith has worked as a voice actress in many other works, including “Your Lie in April,” “Hunter x Hunter,” and “Winx Club.”
