Summary
This week, thePokemoncommunity is mourning the loss of a voice-acting legend. Rachael Lillis, the talent that brought iconic characters Misty and Jesse alive in the originalPokemonanime series, passed away after losing her battle against breast cancer. Along with tributes from fans around the world, many of Rachel’s old coworkers from the anime have also spoken up about their memories of her, and left tributes in her memory.
One of the most touching tributes to Rachael’s legacy came just a couple of days after her passing was announced publicly by her sister. Kode Abdo, betterknown online as “BossLogic,“posted a new piece of art on his Instagram in memory of Rachael. The post was met with thousands of comments thanks to the graphic designer’s massive online following, and how many people really were touched by the loss of Rachael around the world.
Who was Rachael Lillis?
A Legend in the English Version ofPokémon
If you grew up watching the English dub ofPokémonin the 90s, you grew up with the talented voice of Rachael Lillis. The American voice actor brought the characters of both Ash’s best friend Misty and hisarch-nemesis Jesse from Team Rocketto life in the English version of the anime. She wasn’t done there, though. Rachael’s wide range of talent stretched to several of the actual Pokémon as well, including Jigglypuff, Vulpix, Venonat, and Goldeen.
Beyond thePokémonfranchise, Rachael Lillis also voiced Princess Charlotte inBerserk, Haruka inMidori Days, Dr. Reese Drake inDinosaur King, Amy inBakuman, Mito Freecss and Cocco inHunter x Hunter, and more. She left a huge mark on the world of anime English dubs, and her talent was loved by fans around the world. The huge response to her passing by everyone shows just how much of an impact Rachael’s work made on so many people.
In May 2024, Rachael Lillis was diagnosed with breast cancer. The wider world found out when her sister, Laurie Orr, set up aGoFundMepage to help raise money for the cost of treatment. People around the world donated towards the cause, even just a few dollars. It was via this page on August 12th, 2024 that Rachael’s sister announced her death to the world, writing,
With a heavy heart, I regret to say that Rachael has passed away. She passed peacefully Saturday night, without pain, and for that we are grateful….
Rachael (“Rae” as we called her) was a beautiful, smart, talented person with a kind heart who was so moved by all of you! (I would forward emails and comments to her, just in case she missed any!)
She likened the response to this fund to the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, when George is surprised to learn just how much he is loved by his friends, and how much they Do care!
She was moved to tears when seeing the GFM page with your comments [sic]& kind thoughts.
She remembered many of you that she happily met at conventions, for instance, and related stories to us about the experience and all the people she appreciated meeting!
All of us have been so moved by the responses from all of You!
…My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free.
Fans are continuing to donate to Rachael’s memory via the GoFundMe page, which was still open at the time of publishing this article. Her sister has announced that any incoming donations now will go towards covering Rachael’s remaining medical bills, and whatever is extra will gotowards cancer researchin her memory.
In Memory of Rachael Lillis
Tributes from Fans and Friends
The rest of the originalPokémonEnglish voice cast have all made posts on social media in memory of Rachael Lillis. Veronica Taylor, thevoice of Ash Ketchum, posted this on herXpage,along with a graphic showing a much longer message including a plan for a memorial to be held in the future:
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
Eric Stuart, thevoice of Brock, reposted Taylor’s graphic on hisXpage, along with his own comment. It reads, “So sad. She was one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest people. My dear friend for so many years. Celebrate her life by watching OG Pokémon, especially Team Rocket, she will always be my partner in comedic crime. RIP my friend.” Lots of fans reposted and commented on both voice actors' posts, adding their own special memories and condolences for Rachael’s family and friends. Even the officialPokémonEnglish X page posted in her memory, as linked above.
One of the most touching tributes, though, comes from Australian graphic designer and internet personality Boss Logic (Kode Abdo). Boss Logic is famous for his graphic art, which is often inspired by pop culture. On his Instagram, he posted a new piece depictingthe Pokemon Togepi, who is crying. In the puddle formed by its tears, there is a reflection of Misty holding Togepi. Togepi was often seen with Misty in thePokémonanime, and they were inseparable friends. The image definitely tears at the heartstrings of any fan of the original series. At the time of publishing, the post already had almost 60,000 likes.
Boss Logic put it best with his comment on thepost, which reads,
“Togepi, sometimes our friends have to say goodbye. but when they’re gone, you may still be friends in your heart.”
We lost a gem today. RIP Rachael Lillis, may your spirit forever live on through Misty, Jessie and all of your incredible work.
Fans couldn’t say it any better. GameRant thanks Rachael for everything she gave fans over the years. Her memory will always live on through her legacy and the hearts and lives she touched.
