Deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of actress Rachael Lillis at the age of 46. Rachael, known for providing the iconic voices of Misty, Jessie, and Jigglypuff in the beloved Pokémon series, battled breast cancer after being diagnosed in May and tragically passed away on a Saturday.
Veronica Taylor, who voiced the lead character Ash Ketchum in the English dub of Pokémon, announced Rachael’s passing with a heavy heart. She praised Rachael as an extraordinary talent whose bright light shone through her voice, whether speaking or singing. Veronica also expressed her gratitude for the love and support Rachael received during her battle with cancer, emphasizing the positive impact it had on her.
Describing Rachael as a friend, Veronica fondly remembered her unlimited kindness, compassion, sense of humor, intelligence, and strong work ethic. She highlighted Rachael’s remarkable memory and her overall wonderful presence. Veronica mourned the loss of her friend and expressed uncertainty about how the void left by Rachael’s absence would ever be filled.
Laurie Orr, Rachael’s sister, confirmed the tragic news on a GoFundMe page that had raised over $100,000 (£78,104) to cover Rachael’s remaining medical bills, fund a memorial service, and support cancer research. Laurie Orr shared that Rachael’s health had unexpectedly declined the previous week, leaving the family completely grief-stricken by her untimely passing.
The loss of my dear little sister has left an indelible ache in my heart, but the thought of her freedom brings me some solace,“ she expressed tenderly, referring to her beloved sibling by the endearing name “Rae”.
Born in 1978 in the vibrant city of New York, Lillis commenced her artistic journey by undergoing rigorous training in the discipline of opera, a testament to her dedication to honing her vocal talents. Subsequently, she transitioned into the realm of voice acting during the 1990s, where she would go on to leave an enduring mark.
Her artistic legacy includes an impressive tenure, spanning 423 episodes of the widely acclaimed Pokémon series, where her vocal contributions resonated with fans from 1997 to 2015, thereby etching her name in the annals of animation history.
Rachael Lillis, known for her roles in shows like Hunter x Hunter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Winx Club, has passed away. A spokesperson from the Pokémon Company International expressed deep sadness and acknowledged Lillis’ significant contribution to the Pokémon animated series, stating that her performance will be cherished by many fans. Lillis’ talent brought the characters to life, and she will be remembered for generations to come.
