Rachael Lillis, ‘Pokémon’ actor who voiced Misty and Jessie, dies at 46

Rachael Lillis, a voice actor who starred in lots of “Pokémon” movies and collection because the characters Misty, Jessie and extra, died Aug. 10. She was 46.

Lillis was recognized with breast most cancers in Might 2024. Veronica Taylor, Lillis’ “Pokémon” co-star who voiced the lead character Ash Ketchum, posted a press release on X Monday morning that introduced Lillis’ demise.

“It’s with a really heavy coronary heart that I share the information of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday night, 10 August 2024,” Taylor wrote. “Rachael was a rare expertise, a brilliant mild that shone by means of her voice whether or not talking or singing.”

“She might be perpetually remembered for the various animated roles she performed, together with her iconic performances as ‘Pokemon‘s’ Misty and Jessie being probably the most beloved,” Taylor stated. “Rachael was so grateful for all of the beneficiant love and help that was given to her as she battled most cancers. It really made a optimistic distinction. Her household additionally needs to thanks as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial is being deliberate for a future date.”

Lillis started voice appearing within the Nineties and appeared in a whole lot of TV exhibits, anime collection, video video games and extra by means of the late 2010s.

She voiced Misty, the health club chief who focuses on water-type creatures, within the unique “Pokémon” anime in 1998. Misty turned one of the vital in style characters within the early “Pokémon” universe, alongside Ash, his Pikachu and their pal Brock. Lillis additionally voiced Jessie, one half of the villainous Workforce Rocket alongside her colleague James and their speaking Meowth.

She introduced Jigglypuff, the pink, singing Pokémon, to life, along with a number of different creatures. Lillis voiced Jigglypuff in Nintendo’s in style “Tremendous Smash Brothers” preventing recreation collection all through all 4 entries. She additionally voiced the Pokémon Goldeen within the video games. Lillis appeared within the 1999 “Pokémon: The First Film” as Misty and Jessie, plus “Pokémon: The Film 2000,” “Mewtwo Returns,” “Spell of the Unown,” “Pokémon 4Ever,” “Pokémon Heroes,” “Jirachi Want Maker,” “Future Deoxys,” “Lucario and the Thriller of Mew” and extra.

“Everyone knows Rachael Lillis from the various fantastic roles she performed. She stuffed our Saturday mornings and earlier than/after faculty hours together with her lovely voice, her terrific comedian timing, and her outstanding appearing abilities,” Taylor wrote. “I used to be fortunate sufficient to know Rachael as a pal.”

“She had limitless kindness and compassion, even till the very finish,” Taylor stated. “She had a terrific humorousness, was fantastic to be with, extremely clever, and had such a reminiscence. She labored laborious and cared deeply. I’m not certain how this very darkish void might be stuffed now that her mild now not shines in it. Just like the capturing stars within the Perseids, Rachael was an impressive surprise and really particular. She burned brilliant and vanished too quickly. She is going to dwell on in our reminiscences for eternity.”

Outdoors of “Pokémon,” Lillis additionally had voice roles in “Your Lie in April,” “Hunter x Hunter,” “Winx Membership” and lots of extra.