Pokémon voice actress Rachael Lillis died on Saturday, Lillis' sister Laurie Orr announced on GoFundMe. Orr said Lillis “passed away peacefully” and “without pain.” She was 46.
Veronica Taylor, who voices Ash Ketchum from Pokémon, posted praise for Lillis on social media, calling the actress “an extraordinary talent, a bright light shining through her voice whether speaking or singing.”
“We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she has played,” she continued. “She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school with her beautiful voice, great comedic timing and remarkable acting skills.”
In 1998, Lillis began voicing Ketchum's adventure companion Misty, Jessie of Team Rocket, and several Pokémon, including Jigglypuff. She has also appeared in anime dubs, films such as Pokémon: The First Movie and Pokémon: Mewtwo Returns, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Lillis has voiced characters in dozens of other shows and films, including Berserk, Hunter x Hunter, Mobile Suit Gunma Unicorn, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
To say her voice was beloved would be an understatement: Like Misty and Jessie, she co-starred with Taylor to create iconic characters for English-speaking viewers. Fans and voice actors alike posted tributes to Lillis after learning of her death. Eric Stuart, who voiced Brock and James in Pokémon, posted that Lillis was “one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest people ever.
“Celebrate her life by watching the OG Pokemon, especially Team Rocket, she will always be my partner in comedy,” Stuart wrote. “RIP my friend.”
The Pokémon Company later posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, about Lillis' role in the Pokémon universe. “We are deeply saddened to learn of Rachael Lillis' passing. Her work on the Pokémon animated series will be cherished by many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her extraordinary talent,” it said. “She will be missed by generations to come and we will always hold her in our hearts. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”
Update: This story has been updated to include a statement from The Pokémon Company.