Rachael Lillis, who voiced Misty in Pokémon, dies aged 46

12 August, 2024

NME news

Rachael Lillis, who voiced various characters including Misty, Jessie and more in the Pokémon franchise, has died at the age of 46.

It was confirmed the actress had passed away on August 10, just three months after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Lillis’ co-star Veronica Taylor who voiced the lead character Ash Ketchum, posted a statement on X/Twitter earlier today (August 12) confirming the news.

“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.

“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.”

She continued: “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 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. 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.”

Lillis began voice acting in the 1990s and appeared in hundreds of TV shows, anime series, video games during her decades-long career. She first voiced Misty, the gym leader who specialises in water-type creatures, in the original Pokémon anime in 1998, who went on to become one of the franchise’s most popular characters.

Lillis also voiced Jessie, one half of the villainous Team Rocket alongside her teammate James and their talking Meowth.

She also had roles in the likes of Your Lie in April, Hunter x Hunter, Winx Club and many more.

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