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Pokémon Star Rachael Lillis’ Death: Friends and Fans React
Rachael Lillis, the 46-year-old voice actor celebrated for her roles as Misty and Jessie in Pokémon, has tragically passed away from breast cancer. Friends and fans took to social media on Monday to honor the beloved actor.
Lillis’ co-star Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash in the Pokémon television series, broke the news of Lillis’ death in a social media post on Monday. Taylor revealed that Lillis passed away on the evening of August 10 after battling cancer. Lillis had been diagnosed with the illness in May, according to reports.
Lillis began her voice acting career in the 1990s and became known for voicing characters in TV shows, anime series, and video games. Besides Misty and Jessie, she also voiced Jigglypuff in Pokémon.
“We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played,” Taylor said in her post. “She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills.”
Taylor added that Lillis’ family appreciates the support and is taking time to grieve privately. A memorial is planned for a later date.
Lillis’ sister, Laurie Orr, had created a GoFundMe in May to raise money for Lillis’ medical expenses. On Monday, Orr updated followers on the GoFundMe page, sharing that Lillis had declined over the past week. “This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken,” Orr said. “We ask for peace, for now, as her family grieves this loss.”
“My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free,” Orr continued. She mentioned that the funds raised would be used for medical bills, a memorial service, and causes in Lillis’ name, particularly those focused on combating cancer.
Fans of the show shared their condolences on social media throughout Monday.
“RIP Rachael Lillis. Gone far too soon,” one person posted, along with photos of Lillis and some of the Pokémon characters she voiced.
Others shared clips of favorite moments featuring Lillis’ voice work on the show.
“An icon gone too soon. Rachael Lillis was responsible for so many happy Saturday mornings for so many kids, myself included,” voice actor Kaiji Von Tang posted. “We will always remember your voice.”
“So sad. She was one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest people. My dear friend for so many years,” Eric Stuart, who voiced James in Pokémon alongside Lillis, said in a post. “Celebrate her life by watching OG Pokémon, especially Team Rocket. She will always be my partner in comedic crime. RIP my friend.”
