Rachael Lillis, the iconic original voice behind Misty and Team Rocket’s Jessie, among other roles, passed on August 10 according to fellow voice actress Veronica Taylor. News of her cancer had been shared just months ago, along with a GoFundMe to help with expenses related to her care.
A statement from her family was posted to the GoFundMe page today about her passing:
Hello everyone,
With a heavy heart, I regret to say that Rachael has passed away. She passed peacefully Saturday night, without pain, and for that we are grateful. She is with God, the angels, and family that has passed before her, surrounded by infinite Love.
Unfortunately, regrettably, I was not with her, it was just this past week that she was starting to decline. This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken.
We ask for peace, for now, as her family grieves this loss.
Rachael (“Rae” as we called her) was a beautiful, smart, talented person with a kind heart who was so moved by all of you! (I would forward emails and comments to her, just in case she missed any!)
She likened the response to this fund to the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, when George is surprised to learn just how much he is loved by his friends, and how much they Do care! She was moved to tears when seeing the GFM page with your comments & kind thoughts.
She remembered many of you that she happily met at conventions, for instance, and related stories to us about the experience and all the people she appreciated meeting!
All of us have been so moved by the responses from all of You!
Funds donated for Rachael will go to any medical bills remaining, a memorial service for her, and causes in her name-specifically toward efforts to combat cancer.
My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free.
God Bless you All- with Love, Health, and Peace, Laurie
Although she is most well known for her roles as Misty and Jessie, she also made numerous other contributions to the Pokémon anime and video games in other roles. Bulbapedia has compiled a list of her roles which can be viewed here.
A short clip of her discussing her roles as Misty and Jessie, which she voiced for the first 419 episodes of the anime under 4Kids Entertainment, can be viewed above.
We thank Rachael Lillis for her contributions to the Pokémon franchise and send our condolences. She will be greatly missed.