We sadly report that Rachael Lillis, the original English VA of Misty and Jessie from Pokémon, has passed away at age 55. News broke last week, with fans and friends alike mourning the loss. In May, Lillis received a breast cancer diagnosis, which she battled until her death. For older Pokémon fans like me, the news was a shock. I have heard her voice as both characters for several years after the second episode aired in 1998. She is also the voice behind Jigglypuff and Utena Tenjo from Revolutionary Girl Utena. To say her voice touched a generation of fans is no understatement. Her performance as Misty made her a beloved figure among Pokémon fans, contributing significantly to the series’ popularity in the West and likely being the first waifu of many anime fans. There’s a reason Misty’s full art cards in the TCG command high prices.
Rachael Lillis, Childhood Guide to the Anime World
Though I’m aware most of our audience is more focused on Japanese voice performances, English voice work brings many fans to the medium. The Science Ninja Team Gatchaman dub (a.k.a. G-Force) introduced me to anime. Later, I would catch the Sailor Moon dub and spend the next years glued to Toonami and Adult Swim. The work of Lillis and other iconic English VAs is instrumental in exposing the world to anime and Japanese culture. The contributions to some of the most beloved anime and video game franchises by Lillis ensure that future generations will remember her voice. Our hearts are with her friends and family at this difficult time. I’ll always recall the laughs and emotions both of her characters brought to Pokémon and the legendary Team Rocket Motto. Do you have any fond memories of Lillis or her characters? Please share with us.
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