Anime Legend Rachael Lillis, Pokémon Star, Dies at 55

Pokémon VA Rachael Lillis passes away at 55, following a battle with breast cancer.
Tributes Pour to Beloved Pokémon VA Rachael LillisFamily, Fans, Friends Mourn Rachael Lillis

Rachael Lillis, the distinctive voice behind cherished Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, after a valiant battle with breast cancer. She was 55.

Lillis’ sister, Laurie Orr, shared the devastating news on their GoFundMe page on Monday, August 12. "With a heavy heart, I regret to say that Rachael has passed away," Orr wrote. "She passed tranquilly Saturday night, without pain, and for that we are grateful."

Orr expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and friends alike, noting that Lillis was "overcome with emotion when seeing the GoFundMe page" filled with kind messages. The actress treasured the memories of meeting fans at conventions and often shared touching stories about their interactions, according to Orr.

"My heart breaks losing my beloved little sister, though I am comforted knowing that she is at peace," Orr added.

The GoFundMe campaign created to support Lillis during her battle with cancer has raised over $100,000 from more than 2,700 generous donors. Orr shared that the remaining funds will be used to cover medical expenses, organize a memorial service, and support cancer-related causes in Lillis’ memory.

Lillis’ intimate friend and fellow voice actress, Veronica Taylor—who voiced Ash Ketchum in the first few seasons of the Pokémon anime series—, paid tribute to her on Twitter(X), describing her as "an exceptional talent" with a voice that "radiated… whether speaking or singing."

"I was fortunate enough to know Rachael as a friend," Taylor added. "She had boundless kindness and compassion, even until the very end."

Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur, also expressed her condolences, sharing that Lillis was deeply moved by the love and support she received. "She is out of pain now," Sands wrote. "A wonderful person gone way too soon."

Even fans took to social media to share their heartfelt tributes, remembering Lillis as a beloved voice actress who enriched their childhoods. Beyond her iconic roles in Pokémon, they fondly recalled her performances as Utena in ‘Revolutionary Girl Utena’ and Natalie in Ape Escape 2.

A memorial to celebrate her extraordinary life is being planned for a future date, as announced by Veronica Taylor.