English voice actress Rachael Lillis, best known for her roles in the Pokémon series, has sadly passed away at the age of 46 after battling with breast cancer since May of this year. Her passing was confirmed by fellow voice actress Veronica Taylor, the original English dub voice of Ash in the Pokémon anime:
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 pic.twitter.com/XOjFqY0C1L
— Veronica Taylor (@TheVeronicaT) August 12, 2024
Rachael Lillis was best known for being the original voices of both Misty and Jessie in the English dub of the Pokémon anime (everything from Kanto up to the TPCi dub recasting in 2006). She also provided the voices of many Pokémon, including Jigglypuff who is voiced by Rachael in every Super Smash Bros. title.
Outside of Pokémon, Rachael had lent her voice to many other fictional roles. Among these include Utena Tenjou (Revolutionary Girl Utena), Yuriko Star (Irresponsible Captain Tylor), and Mito Freecss (2011 Hunter x Hunter). You can check out all of Rachael Lillis’ roles here.
A memorial is being planned for her in the future. Many other voice actors, including Eric Stuart (Brock & James), have already been posting their thoughts and memories about Rachael.
Author’s Note: As someone who watched some of the original anime as a kid, this still hurts. And I’m sure it also hurts millions of others who grew up watching the anime. May Rachael Lillis rest in peace.
Credits:
Writing:
Perkilator
Editing: @Sari
Thumbnail Graphic: @Zerp
