Rachael Lillis, the beloved voice actress known for bringing to life iconic characters like Misty and Jessie in the English-language version of Pokémon, passed away on August 10, 2024, at the age of 46. Her death came after a brief battle with breast cancer, a diagnosis she received in May.

Lillis’s performances as Misty, one of the original series’ main characters, and Jessie, a member of the notorious Team Rocket, left a lasting impact on the Pokémon franchise. Her work extended across the original anime series as well as several movies, including Pokémon: The First Movie and Pokémon: The Movie 2000. Lillis also voiced other notable characters, such as Jigglypuff and Goldeen, adding to her legacy within the anime world.

Her passing was confirmed by her sister, Laurie Orr, and fellow Pokémon voice actress Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum. Both shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting Lillis’s extraordinary talent and the deep affection she held for her fans. The family has planned a memorial service and requested privacy as they grieve her loss. Lillis’s contributions to anime and voice acting will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike​ (TheWrap)​ (ComingSoon).