Pokémon Actress Rachel Lillis Dead at 46

The voice of the Pokémon characters Misty and Jessie has died.

The characters were portrayed by Rachael Lillis.

Lillis was only 46 years old.

She’s Gone

Being the voice of a Pokémon character is a pretty big deal when you consider the popularity of the show and the game.

Lillis’ resume, however, was much deeper than just the two Pokémon characters for which she is remembered.

She is considered a massive talent in the voiceover world, making a very good living since 1985 when she made her debut in “Kenji Miyazawa's Night on the Galactic Railroad.”

Lillis landed several roles after breaking through over the next few years, but by the early 1990s, she was in high demand, which led to her starring roles in the “Pokemon” series and eventually the “Pikachu” game.

From that point forward, if there was an animated game or series that had anything to do with the “Pokemon” series, you could more than likely find her name in the credits.

Some of the other games and series for which she had voiceovers were Lego Jurassic World, Your Lie in April, and Super Smash Brothers.

In 2013, she won the BTVA Anime Dub Movie/Special Voice Acting Award for Best Vocal Ensemble in an Anime Feature Film/Special.

Needless to say, after having lost her battle with breast cancer over the weekend, the tributes started to pour in.

For example, Co-star Veronica Taylor stated, “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.”

Lillis's sister, Laurie Orr, added, “This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken. My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free.”

Her diagnosis was only revealed in May, but she had been moved into a nursing home in January for better care.

Rest in peace.