Misty and Jessie’s voice actor, Rachael Lillis, passed away at the age of 46.
In the English dub of the legendary show, Lillis portrayed the characters.
On August 10, she passed away, having battled with breast cancer.
Pokemon English dub actor Veronica Taylor made the announcement.
Taylor, who released a note confirming her passing, was Ash Ketchum’s original English voice actor.
The letter read: “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.”
The actress went on to write: “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 Pokemon’s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved.
“Rachael was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled 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.”
Taylor continued to talk about her friendship with Lillis, with whom she had experienced the show’s premiere, in tweets that followed this letter.
Rachael Lillis is well-known to us all thanks to her several amazing roles. Her wonderful voice, amazing comedic timing, and acting prowess filled our Saturday mornings and the hours before and after school.
She tweeted: “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.”
One final tweet on the matter from Taylor read: “I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it.
Similar to the Perseid meteor shower, Rachael was an amazing marvel and something very unique. Too quickly, she was gone and blazed brightly. She will always be a part of our memories.”
Lillis’s sister tried to raise money for her medical expenses by creating a GoFundMe page. The post read: “She wanted to sincerely thank you all for your kindness, good thoughts, prayers, and donations!
“We are overwhelmed with your loving response for our sister, Rachael.”
Damian Mills, a fellow voice actor on Dragonball and Genshin Impact, replied saying: “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.”
