Rachael Lillis Dies: ‘Pokémon’ Voice Actor For Misty & Jessie From Team Rocket Was 55
Rachael Lillis, voice actor for Pokémon’s Misty and Team Rocket’s Jessie, has died. She was 55.
Lillis died on August 10 after being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2024. Her Pokémon co-star, Veronica Taylor, shared a post on social media following Lillis’ death.
More from Deadline
“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,” Taylor, who voices Ash Ketchum in the animé series, shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
In a statement, Taylor added, “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.”
“Rachael was so thankful for all of the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled with cancer,” the statement continued. “It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial is being planned for a future date. With love, Veronica.”
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. #RachaelLillis pic.twitter.com/XOjFqY0C1L
— Veronica Taylor (@TheVeronicaT) August 12, 2024
The official Pokémon X account also shared a statement following news of Lillis.
“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,” read the 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.”
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
In follow-up posts on X, Taylor noted that she “was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend.”
“She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end. She had a great sense of humor, was wonderful to be with, incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory. She worked hard and cared deeply,” Taylor added.
DEADLINE RELATED VIDEO:
“I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it. Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity.”
I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it.
Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity.— Veronica Taylor (@TheVeronicaT) August 12, 2024
Lillis also voiced Intress in Chaotic, Thalia in Shadow of the Elves, Jigglypuff in Pokémon, Natalie in Ape Escape 2, Ursula in Dinosaur King, Hela in Cubix — Robots for Everyone, Faragonda in Winx Club, Ohno in Genshiken, and Martina in Slayers Next, among many others.
Best of Deadline
2024 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs So Far In 2024: From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.