Rachael Lillis was a Los Angeles based voice actress for various Pokémon media, joining the franchise with Season 1 (Indigo League) of Pokémon the Series' English dub. Rachael was best known in the franchise as the original voices of Misty, Jessie, Jigglypuff, and many others.

On May 13, 2024, it was revealed by her sister that Rachael was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of the same year, and that it had since spread to her spine. A GoFundMe was started to help her find a caregiver to tend to her needs at her residence, before it was changed to find a cancer-specific medical facility. Many Pokémon voice actors shared the GoFundMe and it had hit its original goal within a week. On August 12, 2024, fellow voice actress Veronica Taylor made a post on her social media confirming Rachael's passing two days prior.

Rachael Lillis voiced 90+ characters in the Pokémon anime and over 40+ Pokémon species. Her impact to the show cannot be understated. Her voice work inspired newer VAs and made Saturday mornings something special to lots of children. She will be very missed.

Veronica Taylor @TheVeronicaT

We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played. She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills.


Source: https://x.com/TheVeronicaT/status/1823000035883438271M

Eric Stuart @eric_stuart

So sad. She was one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest people. My dear friend for so many years. Celebrate her life by watching OG Pokemon, especially Team Rocket, she will always be my partner in comedic crime. RIP my friend.
Source: https://x.com/eric_stuart/status/1823003262263419269

Pokémon @Pokemon

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rachael Lillis. Her performance in the Pokémon animated series will be cherished by the many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her special talent.

She will be remembered for generations to come, and we will always keep her close in our hearts. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends.
Source: https://x.com/Pokemon/status/1823102178783055999

Lisa Ortiz @lisacultjelly

I'm at a loss of what to say right now. When I gather my thoughts I'll write more. But right now I'm just going to share Veronica's post. I can't process my thought right now.

The contribution That Rachael Lillis made to this franchise and lives and childhoods across the world is immeasurable. Her talent was immense. She had a wonderful soul. And a wit. Personally I have so much more to say, but you just have to watch her work to see that talent.
Sources: https://x.com/Lisalisejam/status/1823012542329016619 and https://x.com/Lisalisejam/status/1823108955352264849

Michele Knotz @MicheleKnotz

I've been staring at the walls today thinking about how quickly life goes by and anyone can be taken away from us in an instant. It's been too frequent, too scary and too heartbreaking.
Source: https://x.com/micheleknotz/status/1823185228585656371

Jamie McGonnigal @jmcgonnigal

It’s always tough to hear from social media that a friend has passed on. But I suppose that’s just the way of things nowadays. I’ll miss you, sweet Rachael. I’m so grateful I knew you and had the pleasure of working with you on a bunch of things - from Pokémon to Weis Kreuz and World of Narue.

I remember spending a long afternoon in Central Park together, learning everything we could about each other and just wandering for hours. You’ll be so missed, friend. Thanks for crossing paths with me.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-leDC6PWd6/

Mike Pollock @itsamike

May her memory be a blessing.
Source: https://x.com/itsamike/status/1823013943217930427

Faye Mata @FayeMata

Thank you for inspiring us all, Rachael Lillis. Rest in peace.
Source: https://x.com/fayemata/status/1823055918881477085

Tara Jayne Sands @TaraSandsVO

It is an incredibly sad day. I can’t say this any better than Veronica did, but please know that Rachael saw your messages and contributions and was so touched and so grateful. She is out of pain now. A wonderful person gone way too soon.
Source: https://x.com/TaraSandsVO/status/1823005535245144556

Erica Schroeder @ericaschroederva

Please take a few moments today to send your beautiful words about Rachael to her sister and family. I’m really struggling with mine. Sending so much love and deepest condolences to them, to her Pokémon family and to you, her beloved fans.

If you feel helpless and want to send a gesture beyond words, you can still donate to the go fund me which will help with medical bills, a memorial service and causes in her name. The link is in my bio.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-lGAEOyKi-/

Danny “Shaq” Kramer @dannykramervo

I never got the chance to meet her, but she was loved and spoken highly about by so many. Rest in Peace, Rachael Lillis. You were an incredible part of my childhood with your wonderful performances and you clearly touched the hearts of so many… Please still donate to her GoFundMe, to help her loved ones cover memorial arrangements and medical bills — link in Bio Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-lIWT4vPA8/

Marc Thompson @captainehud_marcthompson_vo

Thank you to all who helped and encouraged her. It meant a lot to her and her family
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-lXFPFRqtJ/

Justin Sevakis @worldofcrap (Discotek CEO)

I love that she's finally getting recognized like this. Funny thing is, she'd HATE this attention. That's why it's so hard to find a picture of her. "Voice actors should be heard and not seen!" she'd say.
Source: https://x.com/worldofcrap/status/1823076133421940944

Jessica Calvello

Words are difficult, and I've never been good with goodbyes. I'm just going to send love. I'm sorry I can't express more. It's too hard. Rachael was such an amazing talent; a true force in the voice industry and a frequency of light needed in this world. Much love, everyone.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-lXSvRPDlF/

Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld @AlysonRosenfeld

Absolutely heartbreaking news. Thinking of her loved ones and everyone she touched with her incredible, iconic performances. May her memory be a blessing.
Source: https://x.com/alysonrosenfeld/status/1823072561263001736

Sarah Natochenny @sarahnatochenny

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rachel Lillis. We never got to meet, but like many of you, I grew up with her wonderful performances as Misty and Jessie. I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to her loved ones as they navigate this devastating loss.
Source: https://x.com/sarahnatochenny/status/1823135008544219574

Dan Green @dangreenvoices

Rachael Lillis was a very gifted performer. Smart, thoughtful, and quick witted, Rachael gave countless performances that entertained the original generation of Pokemon fans. We are so sad to see her go so soon. We are grateful to have known her.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/dangreenvoices/

Alejandra Reynoso @AleReyn0s0

Like so many, I was deeply saddened to learn of Rachael’s passing—despite never having the pleasure of meeting her myself, I became a Pokémon fan in large part due to her charming, remarkable work on the show. She touched so many. My heartfelt condolences to her family + friends.
Source: https://x.com/AleReyn0s0/status/1823169569189752911