‘Pokémon’ star Rachael Lillis, who voiced Jessie and Misty, dead at 46: ‘Her light no longer shines’

“Pokémon” voice actor Rachael Lillis, who was best known for playing the characters Jessie and Misty, has died at the age of 46.

The actress passed away on Saturday, Aug. 10, after a brief battle with breast cancer. The beloved performer was diagnosed with the disease in May.

News of Lillis’ death broke after Veronica Taylor, who co-starred alongside Lillis in many “Pokémon” films and series as the main character Ash Ketchum, shared a statement on X early Monday, Aug. 12.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, 10 August 2024,” Taylor wrote.

“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 Pokemon’s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved.”

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“Rachael was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled cancer,” she added. “It truly made a positive difference.”

“Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately,” Taylor continued.

“A memorial is being planned for a future date.”

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Lillis began her career as a voice actor in the ’90s, originating the English-language version of Misty in the 1997 “Pokémon” anime series. The character, an aspiring Water Pokémon Master, gym leader and friend to series lead Ash Ketchum, quickly became a fan favorite.

Lillis also played the role of villain Jessie, one member of the Team Rocket trio that follows Ash and his friends trying to steal Ash’s Pikachu.

Lillis’ credits playing Misty and Jessie include “Pokémon: The First Movie,” plus “Pokémon: The Movie 2000,” “Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns,” “Pokémon 3: The Movie,” “Pokémon 4Ever,” “Pokémon Heroes,” “Pokémon Jirachi – Wish Maker,” “Pokémon the Movie: Destiny Deoxys” and “Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew,” among others.

She also gave other notable performances in the “Pokémon” universe, voicing the character Jigglypuff, whom she also played in all four of Nintendo’s “Super Smash Bros.” games.

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In additional comments made on X, Taylor paid tribute to Lillis, writing, “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.”

“I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend,” she added. “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.”

She continued , “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.”

Among Lillis’ hundreds of credits in TV and film, she also voiced characters outside “Pokémon” projects, including the series “Your Lie in April,” “Hunter x Hunter,” and “Winx Club.”

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