Pokémon Voice Actor Rachael Lillis Dead at 46

The anime community is mourning a legend.

Rachael Lillis, a voice actor who starred in several English-dubbed Pokémon films and television series, died Aug. 10 after her battle with breast cancer, her family confirmed. She was 46.

"With a heavy heart, I regret to say that Rachael has passed away," her sister Laurie Orr shared on her GoFundMe. "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."

Lillis, who began her career in the 1990s, was featured in several TV shows, animes, video games, and more, including Hunter X Hunter and Super Smash Bros. Her most notable characters began in the original Pokémon anime with gym leader Misty, half of the villainous Team Rocket Jessie and Jigglypuff. She has also appeared in Pokémon: The First Movie, Pokémon: The Movie 2000, Mewtwo Returns, Spell of the Unown, Pokémon 4Ever, Pokémon Heroes and more.

Veronica Taylor, who voiced the lead character Ash Ketchum, paid tribute to her costar and reflected on her legacy.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis," she wrote on X Aug. 12. "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," she continued. "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."

Taylor also spoke about her loving friendship with Lillis, who she began working with during the Pokémon series from 1998 to 2006.

"I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend," Taylor reflected. "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. I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it."