Rachael Lillis, Beloved Voice of Pokémon's Misty and Jessie, Passes Away at 46

Rachael Lillis, the beloved voice actress known for bringing life to Misty and Jessie in the Pokémon anime series, passed away on August 10, 2024, at the age of 46 after a battle with breast cancer. Her passing was announced by her co-star Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum, on X (formerly Twitter). Taylor expressed the profound impact Lillis had on countless fans through her exceptional talent and kind spirit.

A Versatile and Beloved Voice

Lillis began her voice acting career in the 1990s, contributing her unique voice to hundreds of TV shows, anime series, and video games until the late 2010s. She first voiced Misty, the water-type Pokémon gym leader, in the original Pokémon anime, which premiered in 1998. Misty quickly became one of the most cherished characters in the early Pokémon franchise, alongside Ash, Pikachu, and Brock .

In addition to Misty, Lillis voiced the villainous Jessie from Team Rocket, who was known for her infamous catchphrase and her partnership with James and their talking Meowth . Lillis also brought the pink, singing Pokémon Jigglypuff to life in both the Pokémon anime and video games, including the Super Smash Bros. series .

A Legacy of Kindness and Talent

Throughout her career, Lillis voiced numerous beloved characters in various anime series, films, and video games, including roles in Your Lie in April, Berserk, Sonic X, and Winx Club . Her co-star Veronica Taylor fondly remembered her as "an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing" and a dear friend with "unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end" .

Lillis' passing marks the second member of the original Pokémon voice cast to die, following Maddie Blaustein, who voiced Meowth, in 2008 . As fans and colleagues mourn the loss of this remarkable talent, they celebrate the indelible mark Lillis left on the hearts of those who grew up watching her bring beloved characters to life with her exceptional voice and comedic timing .