Rachael Lillis was the original voice actress for the English dub of the Pokemon animated series. She voiced Misty and Team Rocket’s Jessie for the first eight seasons.
American voice actress Rachael Lillis, who voiced Misty and Jessie in the original English dub of the Pokemon animated series, has died from cancer at the age of 46.
Lillis’ death was announced by her friend and fellow voice actress Veronica Taylor, who voiced Ash Ketchum in the series
In the Pokemon animated series, Misty was one of Ash Ketchum’s closest friends while Jessie was a member of the villainous Team Rocket.
In a tribute post on her X page, Veronica Taylor called Lillis “an extraordinary talent” and a “bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing”. She also said that Lillis was “thankful” for the love and support she received from fans as she was battling cancer.
Fans first knew of Lillis’ diagnosis in May this year after voice actor Eric Stuart, who voiced James in the Pokemon series, posted a link to her GoFundMe page on his social media pages.
Following Lillis’ death, Stuart called her “one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest people” and that she would always be his “partner in comedic crime”.
In addition to Pokemon, Rachael Lillis has also voiced roles in other popular anime series including Your Lie In April, Hunter X Hunter and Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works.