Rachael Lillis, the voice actor best known for voicing Misty, Jessie and Jigglypuff in the “Pokémon” franchise, has died … her sister, Laurie Orr, confirmed.
The veteran performer passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday evening … after battling breast cancer. Laurie — who shared the news on the GoFundMe launched for her sister’s care — said she was unable to be by Rachael’s side when she passed … but assured fans RL died “without pain.”
She added … “It was just this past week that she was starting to decline. This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken. We ask for peace, for now, as her family grieves this loss.”
Rachael’s “Pokémon” costar Veronica Taylor — who notably voiced Ash Ketchum in the popular cartoon — took to Instagram on Monday to pay tribute to the late star.
In a poignant message to fans, Veronica shared how their love and support helped Rachael throughout her cancer battle.
She continued … “I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend. She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end.”
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In addition to her work in the “Pokémon” franchise, Rachael was a staple in the anime community, having voiced characters in several films and TV shows … including “Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission,” “Berserk: The Golden Age Arc,” “Sonic X,” “Animation Runner Kuromi,” and “Guardian of Darkness.”
She was 46 years old.
RIP