Pokemon actor Rachael Lillis dead at 55 after battle with breast cancer

Rachael Lillis, the voice of Misty and Jessie in Pokemon, has passed away.

Following a battle with breast cancer, Pokemon’s Rachael Lillis has died. The actor’s family, fans and co-stars flood social media with tributes.

The actress who voiced Misty and Jessie in Pokemon has died at the age of 55, reports Variety.

Rachael Lillis, who starred in the Pokemon TV series, films and video games, lost her battle with breast cancer on August 10 after she was diagnosed in May.

Sister Laurie Orr and Lillis’ Pokemon co-star Veronica Taylor, voice of Ash Ketchum, announced the news of her death on social media.

Taylor wrote on Instagram: “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 performance as Pokemon’s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved,” she continued.

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A post shared by Veronica Taylor (@theveronicat)

She went on: “Rachael was so thankful for all of the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled with cancer. It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately.”

Orr revealed on Lillis’ GoFundMe page that her sister’s health had only begun to deteriorate in her final week.

“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,” she shared.

“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.”

Fans have flooded social media with tributes to the beloved voice actor, with one writing on X, formerly Twitter: “This is such sad news! Pokemon was and still is a huge part of my life so it’s like a part of me is gone now.”

Another wrote: “She’s extraordinary beautiful talented actress to voice every character from Pokemon and She will be missed and loved by her fans and friends.”

The Pokemon X page also praised the late star and her contributions to the show: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rachael Lillis. Her performance in the Pokemon animated series will be cherished by the many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her special talent.”

RIP Rachael Lillis. Gone far too soon. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BltojFGbfv

— Ace Trainer Liam (@AceTrainerLiam) August 12, 2024

The Pokemon series centres around a universe in which humans live together with creatures known as Pokemon, who have a variety of different species and special superpowers.

According to IMDB, Lillis’ voice was used in 423 Pokemon episodes between 1997 and 2015.