Rachael Lillis, the 46-year-old voice actress best known for her roles as Misty and Jessie in many iterations of pokemon, died of breast cancer. Friends and fans took to social media on Monday to revere the actor as an icon.
Lillis’ co-star Veronica Taylor, who voiced the main character Ash in Pokémon popular television series, shared the news of Lillis’ death in a post on X on Monday. In a statement, Taylor said Lillis died on the evening of August 10 following her battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with cancer in May, according to reports.
Lillis began her voice acting career in the 1990s and went on to voice characters in TV shows, anime series, and video games. In addition to Misty and Jessie, Lillis also voiced Jigglypuff in Pokémon.
“We all know Rachael Lillis for the many wonderful roles she has played,” Taylor captioned her post. “She filled our Saturday mornings and before and after school hours with her beautiful voice, her incredible comedic timing and her remarkable acting skills.”
Taylor added that Lillis’ family thanks everyone for taking the time to grieve privately, and that a memorial will be held at a later date.
Lillis’ sister, Laurie Orr, created a GoFundMe in May to raise money for Lillis’ medical bills. On Monday, Orr said in a post on the GoFundMe page that Lillis began to decline last week. “This was unexpected and we are completely distressed,” Orr said. “We ask for peace, for now, as her family mourns this loss.”
“My heart breaks to lose my beloved little sister, although I am comforted knowing she is free,” Orr continued. Orr said the funds raised will go toward remaining medical expenses, a memorial service and causes in his name, especially efforts to fight cancer.
Fans of the show expressed their condolences on social media on Monday.
“Rest in peace, Rachael Lillis. It was too soon,” one person posted in Xsharing photos of Lillis and some of the characters she voiced Pokémon.
Others shared clips of their favorite moments Lillis lip-synced on the show.
“An icon that disappeared too soon. Rachael Lillis was responsible for so many happy Saturday mornings for so many children, including me,” voice actor Kaiji Von Tang posted in X. “We will always remember his voice.”
“So sad. She was one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest people. My dear friend of so many years,” Eric Stuart, who worked with Lillis while voicing the character James in Pokémonsaid in one post on X. “Celebrate her life by watching Pokémon OG, especially Team Rocket, she will always be my partner in comedic crime. Rest in peace, my friend.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
