Rachael Lillis, Star Voice Actress of Pokémon Series, Dies at 46

Pokémon voice actress Rachael Lillis, who starred in Pokémon TV series, films and video games since the late 1990s, has died of breast cancer at the age of 46.

Lillis has voiced the main Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie, and many others, in the beloved Japanese anime series.

His death was announced by Veronica Taylor, who plays Pokémon’s main character, Ash Ketchum.

Ms. Taylor wrote: “Rachael had an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether she was speaking or singing.”

“We all know Rachael Lillis for the many wonderful roles she has played,” Taylor wrote on social media Monday.

“She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, terrific comedic timing and remarkable acting skills.”

She said Lillis was grateful for the support she received as she battled cancer.

“It really made a positive difference,” Ms Taylor said.

Her sister also confirmed Lillis’ death on an online site that had raised money for her cancer treatment.

“This was unexpected and we are completely devastated,” Laurie Orr wrote, adding that her sister’s health began to decline last week.

“My heart breaks at the loss of my dear little sister, although I am comforted to know she is free,” she said.

Lillis was born in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1978 and trained in opera in college before becoming a voice actress.

His voice appeared in 423 episodes of Pokémon between 1997 and 2015, according to IMDB.

She also voiced the Pokémon character Jigglypuff, notably in the 2019 film Detective Pikachu and the Super Smash Bros. video game series.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.