Pokémon’s Misty And Jessie VA Rachael Lillis Passes Away At 46

The iconic English voice actor for Pokémon’s Misty and Jessie Rachael Lillis passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Sad news has been announced for fans of the original Pokémon anime series . The original English dub voice actor for Misty and Team Rocket’s Jessie Rachael Lillis was announced to have passed away on the evening of Saturday, August 10, 2024. The announcement was confirmed by fellow co-star Veronica Taylor (the voice of Ash Ketchum) on X this morning. After a terrible battle with breast cancer, Lillis passed away at the age of 46.

Lillis has been battling breast cancer for the past few months and even had an outpouring amount of support on her GoFundMe page set up by her sister Laurie. The last update on her health status was that she has been in a nursing home since January 2024. Since then, she has been fighting through an ongoing struggle with breast cancer that’s spread to her spine. “Barely” able to walk, her family has turned to social media for financial aid in order to help the beloved voice actor return home.

“For Rachael, it has been so emotionally moving & she feels honored to have had this outpouring of love and support from everyone,” the campaign shared in its most recent update after raising over $90,000 USD for Lillis’ medical treatments. “It amazes us that so many have been so kind in their support and we give sincere thanks to you all!”

While many may not remember her name , they will definitely recognize her voice of dubbing Misty and Jessie in Pokémon from back in 1997 to 2006. Her last Pokémon -related voice work was for Jigglypuff and Goldeen in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate . Her acting studies in Boston and New York City began in 1997. She trained on stage but found her way to pursuing voiceover work for everything from video games to audiobooks and anime. Lillis’ voice has graced TV screens across other anime series like Hunter x Hunter, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, and Boogiepop Phantom.

Taylor’s X post read: “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.” It also contained an image of a message dedicated to Lillis. In 2013, Lillis moved to Los Angeles for work, and it was in May 2024 that her breast cancer diagnosis was made public.

The message read, “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 the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled cancer. 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.”

I will always cherish those memories of watching Pokémon after school with my brother. I will always remember hearing Misty yell at Ash and Brock all the time or Jessie complaining to James. With a heavy heart, our thoughts are with Lillis’ loved ones during this difficult time.