Iconic Pokémon star dies as shocked followers pay tribute to ‘voice of my childhood’

The voice two main characters of one of the world’s most loved children’s television shows has died, aged 46.

Rachael Lillis played both Jessie and Misty in the original Pokémon series – as well as seven Pokémon creatures, including Jigglypuff. But her death was confirmed earlier today by voice actor Veronica Taylor, who plays the lead role of Ash Ketchum.

Taking to social media, she wrote: “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.

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“I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend. She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end. She had a great sense of humor, was wonderful to be with, incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory. She worked hard and cared deeply.

“I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it. Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon. She will live on in our memories for eternity.”

She also confirmed that Rachael died on Saturday evening, August 10 – and in a further message, told how the actress was “battling with cancer”. A memorial service is being planned for her, and the family has said via Veronica that they wish to “grieve privately”.

Rachael was first introduced to Pokémon fans in the first Pokémon movie in 1999. where she played Misty, Jessie, Vulpix, Venonant, Goldeen and Jigglypuff. She would later go on to play other Pokemon creatures, including Goldeen, Torchic and Beautifly.

The 46-year-old was also featured in the Ryan Reynold’s live-action Detective Pikachu film as Jigglypuff – a role she also played in the iconic Super Smash Bros console game in 1999.

Paying tribute, one fan on Twitter/X said she was “the voice of my childhood,” as another said that “an icon of the Pokémon world has gone”.

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