Pokemon Voice Actor Passed Away: Who Was Rachael Lillis?

Rachael Lillis was an American scriptwriter and voice actress. She was popular for giving the popular voices of characters like Jessie and Misty in the first eight seasons of Pokemon dubbed in English.

Early Life

July 8, 1969- August 10, 2024

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, she attended Smith College as a premed student. Rachael studied acting in New York City and Boston. She appeared in numerous theater productions. She also appeared in various independent films and animated series. In the year 2013, she moved to Los Angeles. 

Before kickstarting her journey as a voice actor, Lillis also got trained in opera at university. Her beautiful voice appeared in a total of 423 Pokémon episodes. The lady was also behind the voice of the famous character Jigglypuff from Pokémon.

Illness, and the Breast cancer campaign

In May 2024, Lillis's sister declared that Lillis had developed breast cancer. A lot of her fellow actors shared the campaign to aid in generating money for her care. Unfortunately, Lillis passed away due to breast cancer on August 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Laurie Orr, her sister, wrote "This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken."

"My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free," she further said. She also wrote that Lillis' health started to decline last week.

The page managed to raise more than $100,000 (£78,000). This also included the donations made by fans since the star passed away. The fans are heartbroken, and say that she had passed away way too soon and too young. Her fans also say that "light shined bright" through her work.

Now, as per Ms Orr, the funds generated would be used to pay off the pending medical bills, in a memorial service, and in "efforts to combat cancer".

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The death of Rachael Lillis was also announced by Veronica Taylor, co-star as Ash Ketchum, the Pokémon lead character.

"Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing," Ms Taylor expressed.

 "We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played," Ms Taylor expressed through social media.

"She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills," she further said.

The co-star also said that Lillis often felt grateful for the strong support she was receiving in her cancer battle. The support truly made a positive difference in her life, as per Ms Taylor.

The impact left by Rachael Lillis on the world of animation is undeniable. The voice was able to bring laughter, emotions, and joy to millions of fans across the globe. This indeed made her an intergral part of the Pokemon legacy.

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