The anime world now mourns the loss of iconic voice actor Rachael Lillis. Beginning her voice acting career in 1997, she brought numerous Pokémon characters to life, including Misty, Jessie, Vulpix, Venonat, Goldeen, and Jigglypuff, among others. Her talents extended beyond these characters on the big and small screens; she also lent her voice to many characters in video games and audiobooks. Sadly, after a brief battle with breast cancer, Lillis passed away on Saturday, August 10, at the age of 46.
Veronica Taylor, the English voice actor of Ash Ketchum, announced Lillis’ passing in a post on X. Taylor honored her fellow Pokémon star, who was known for the “many wonderful roles she played.” She also praised Lillis for making the kids’ Saturday mornings and before/after school hours all the more colorful.
“She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills,” she captioned the photo of her lengthy note.
For Taylor, Lillis was an extraordinary talent whose voice shone a bright light, whether speaking or singing. Despite her early demise, Taylor knew fans would forever remember Lillis for her numerous animated roles, highlighting her work for Misty and Jessie as the most beloved.
“Rachael was so thankful for all of the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled with cancer,” she continued. “It truly made a positive difference.”
Taylor added that she was lucky to have met Lillis as a friend, praising her for her unlimited kindness, compassion, great sense of humor, intelligence, and incredible memory. She also described her as hard-working and caring, always there until the end.
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.
Lillis’ family also thanked everyone as they wished to give in private. According to Taylor, a memorial for her friend is being planned, though no details have been revealed yet.
Who was Rachael Lillis?
In addition to being a voice actor, Lillis was also a scriptwriter. After studying acting in Boston and New York City, she appeared in numerous theater productions, animated series, and independent films. Her first foray into anime was voicing Satsuki in the 1997 Takegami: Guardian of Darkness, her first-ever principal role in a series. It was followed by taking on the roles of Cally and Paula in the 1998 The Slayers.
In the same year, she voiced Utena Tenjo, Chu Chu, and Shiori Takatsuki in Revolutionary Girl Utena. She made her way to stardom when she played the roles of Misty, Jessie, Vulpix, Venonat, Goldeen, and Jigglypuff in the 1998 Pokémon: The First Movie and the 1999 Pokémon: The Movie 2000. Her other projects included Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Shadow of the Elves, Winx Club, Super Smash Bros., Lego Jurassic World, and Diary of a Fairy Godmother, among many others.
However, in May 2024, it was confirmed that Lillis had breast cancer, and her sister started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for her care. Several of her fellow voice actors also joined the move. Her sister also announced her passing, revealing it happened “peacefully, without pain, and surrounded by infinite love.”
With the legacy she had left, no one would surely forget Lillis. She made numerous kids’ childhood memories more memorable with the characters she brought to life, and no one could surpass her.
