The original voice of Misty and Jessie in the beloved television series Pokémon, Rachael Lillis, has died.
The Pokémon franchise launched in 1996 and is one of the largest multimedia properties in the world, with its own video games, trading cards, TV show and movies. The anime series is focused on Ash Ketchum, accompanied by his loyal Pokémon Pikachu, as he attempts to capture other Pokémon and win battles against rival Pokémon trainers.
Lillis voiced Misty in the English-language dub of the anime series, who traveled alongside Ash in hopes of becoming the world's best Water-type Pokémon trainer. She also voiced Jessie, a member of Team Rocket, the show's antagonists, in the franchise.
The news of her death was announced on X (formerly Twitter) by her co-star Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash and his mother Delia in the English-language dub of the Pokémon anime for its first eight seasons.
"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. #RachaelLillis," Taylor wrote online.
Taylor shared a statement alongside her post, which read: "It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of Rachael Lillis passing on Saturday evening, 10 August, 2024.
"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 Pokémon's Misty and Jessie being the most beloved."
She continued: "Rachael was so thankful for all of the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled with 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. With love, Veronica."
In a follow-up post on X Taylor wrote: "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."
She added: "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."
Damian Mills, a voice actor on Dragonball and Genshin Impact, replied: "I'm so very sorry for your loss, Veronica. I never got to meet her, but I know her work well. She was incredibly talented. Sending you and yours all the love to get through this difficult time."
Lillis' sister revealed that the voice actor had breast cancer when she launched a GoFundMe page in May to help pay Lillis' medical bills, which was shared by a number of her fellow actors. She had been living in a nursing home facility since January and was hoping to pay for a personal nurse.
Lillis died on August 10.
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