Pokemon star Rachael Lillis dies aged 46 as heartbroken friend pays tribute (original) (raw)

Pokemon voice actor Rachael Lillis has passed away after being diagnosed with cancer, her friend and former co-star Veronica Taylor has shared with fans on social media

Pokemon voice actor Rachael Lillis' friend has announced to fans that she has passed away

Rachael Lillis has passed away, aged 46, and the news has led to an outpouring of tributes to the Pokémon favourite.

The late voice actor - known for voicing Misty, Jessie and other characters in the franchise - had been diagnosed with cancer, which was said to have left her struggling to walk. It's now been announced that she passed away on Saturday.

In a statement shared on social media, Veronica Taylor, 58 - who voices Ash Ketchum and his mother Delia Ketchum in the first eight seasons of the show - said: "We all know [Rachael] 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.

"Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing. She will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played, with her iconic performances as Pokemon's Misty and Jessie being the most beloved. Rachael was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled cancer. It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial is being planned for a future date."

Alongside the post, shared on X and Instagram, Veronica said: "I was lucky enought to know Rachael as a friend. She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end. She had a great sense of humour, was wonderful to be around, was incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory for moments - real or animated. She worked hard and cared deeply."

It's been announced that Pokemon voice actor Rachael Lillis has passed away (

Image:

YouTube)

She added: "I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it. She passed away during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. Like those shooting stars, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity."

Rachael's passing was also announced by her sister Laurie on a GoFundMe page that had been set up previously for the voice actor following her cancer diagnosis. Laurie said in an update to the page: "With a heavy heart, I regret to say that Rachael has passed away. [...] She is with God, the angels, and family that has passed before her, surrounded by infinite Love."

She added: "Rachael ("Rae" as we called her) was a beautiful, smart, talented person with a kind heart who was so moved by all of you! [...] My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free."

The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, with one person commenting: "I'm so sad to hear this. Such a talent and will definitely be missed. Sending my love." Another said: "Thank you for everything, Rachael."

"We will all miss her but her legacy will always live on to many of us. My thoughts go to you [Veronica] and her family," another fan responded. Whilst a fourth said: "She will very much be missed." Someone else said: "You will be forever missed Rachael."

She voiced various characters in the franchise, notably including Jessie (

Image:

Shogakukan)

Another response to the news read: "I'm so very sorry for your loss, Veronica. I never got to meet her, but I know her work well. She was incredibly talented. Sending you and yours all the love to get through this difficult time."

Whilst one fan wrote: "I'm so sorry for you loss, Veronica. Thank you for sharing such beautiful sentiments about your friendship with Rachael. She sounded like such an amazing person. Some of my favorite memories of the Pokémon anime will always be Ash and Misty bantering back and forth with each other, and we have the both of you to thank for those moments."

They continued: "She left such an incredible impact on all of us who grew up hearing her voice in so many shows, and we will continue to keep her alive in our hearts. My condolences to you, her family and friends. May she rest in peace."

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