Highlights
- Rachael Lillis, voice of Misty and Jesse in Pokemon, passed away after battling breast cancer, leaving fans and coworkers grieving.
- Boss Logic, a graphic designer, paid tribute to Rachael with art depicting Misty and Togepi, highlighting her impact on fans worldwide.
- Veronica Taylor and Eric Stuart, fellow voice actors, shared heartfelt memories and condolences for Rachael, showing the impact of her work.
As a gamer who grew up watching Pokemon in the 90s, Rachael Lillis will always hold a special place in my heart. Her voice as Misty and Jessie brought laughter and joy to countless Saturday mornings and afternoons. The news of her passing was like George Bailey learning that he’s loved by friends – it was shocking yet heartwarming to see how many lives she touched.
As a lifelong fan of the Pokemon franchise, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rachael Lillis. Her voice brought to life two of my most beloved characters, Misty and Jesse, in the original anime series. Growing up with these characters felt like growing up with friends, and Rachael’s talent truly made them come alive.
Following the public announcement of Rachael’s passing, her sister’s tribute to her legacy surfaced just a few days later, shared by Kode Abdo (known as BossLogic online). He posted a heartfelt artwork on Instagram in her honor. This post garnered thousands of comments due to his large online fanbase, reflecting the global impact Rachael had on people.
Who was Rachael Lillis?
A Legend in the English Version of Pokémon
If you were a ’90s kid who watched Pokémon with an English dub, you’d have been familiar with Rachael Lillis’s voice. This talented actress voiced not only Ash’s friend Misty and his rival Jesse from Team Rocket but also several of the Pokémon characters, such as Jigglypuff, Vulpix, Venonat, and Goldeen, in the English adaptation of the anime. Yet, her versatile talent didn’t stop there.
Outside of the realm of the Pokémon series, Rachel Lillis lent her voice to a variety of characters including Princess Charlotte in Berserk, Haruka in Midori Days, Dr. Reese Drake in Dinosaur King, Amy in Bakuman, Mito Freecss and Cocco in Hunter x Hunter, among others. Her contributions to the world of anime dubbing were significant, and her gift was cherished by fans across the globe. The outpouring of grief following her passing underscores the profound impact Rachel’s work had on countless individuals.
In May 2024, Rachael Lillis received a breast cancer diagnosis. Her sister, Laurie Orr, established a GoFundMe page in June to assist with treatment expenses. Contributions poured in from individuals worldwide, often only a few dollars. On August 12th, 2024, via the GoFundMe page, Laurie announced Rachael’s passing to the world, expressing her sadness in a touching message.
It is with deep sorrow that I must inform you of the passing of Rachael. On Saturday evening, she passed away serenely, spared any pain, for which we are truly thankful.
Rachael, affectionately known as “Rae,” was an exceptionally beautiful, intelligent, and gifted individual, blessed with a compassionate soul. She was deeply touched by everyone around her, so much so that I often shared emails and comments with her to ensure she didn’t miss any of your kind words.
She likened the response to this fund to the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, when George is surprised to learn just how much he is loved by his friends, and how much they Do care!
I fondly recall numerous encounters with you all at conventions, which I’ll never forget. I shared tales of those experiences and the wonderful people I had the pleasure of meeting!
All of us have been so moved by the responses from all of You!
…My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free.
Contributions to Rachel’s memory through the GoFundMe platform are still flowing in, as stated at the time of publishing this piece. Rachel’s sister has disclosed that all future donations will be used to pay off any outstanding medical expenses Rachel had, and whatever surplus is raised will be dedicated towards cancer research in her honor.
In Memory of Rachael Lillis
Tributes from Fans and Friends
The remaining members of the original Pokémon voice actors have paid tribute to Rachael Lillis on social media platforms. Veronica Taylor, who voices Ash Ketchum, shared a heartfelt message and a memorial plan on her X page, hinting at future events in remembrance of Rachael.
Everyone is familiar with Rachel Lillis for her captivating performances. She brightened up our Saturdays and pre- and post-school times with her enchanting voice, hilarious wit, and exceptional acting abilities.
As Eric Stuart, the guy behind Brock’s voice in Pokémon, I shared Taylor’s heartfelt graphic on my X page, adding my own thoughts. It goes, “Feels really sad. She was one of the funniest, sweetest, kindest souls I’ve ever known. My buddy for so many years. Let’s honor her life by revisiting the original Pokémon, especially Team Rocket episodes, she’ll always be my comedic partner in crime. Rest In Peace, my friend.” Many fans have been reposting and commenting on our posts, sharing their special memories and offering condolences to Rachael’s family and friends. Even the official Pokémon English X page paid tribute to her, as you can see in the linked post above.
One of the most touching tributes, though, comes from Australian graphic designer and internet personality Boss Logic (Kode Abdo). Boss Logic is famous for his graphic art, which is often inspired by pop culture. On his Instagram, he posted a new piece depicting the Pokemon Togepi, who is crying. In the puddle formed by its tears, there is a reflection of Misty holding Togepi. Togepi was often seen with Misty in the Pokémon anime, and they were inseparable friends. The image definitely tears at the heartstrings of any fan of the original series. At the time of publishing, the post already had almost 60,000 likes.
Boss Logic put it best with his comment on the post, which reads,
“Sometimes, dear Togepi, our friends must depart. Yet, even when they’re physically absent, you can keep their friendship alive within your heart.”
Today, we mourn the loss of a precious jewel. Rest in peace, Rachael Lillis. May your essence continue to shine brightly through Misty, Jessie, and all of your extraordinary accomplishments.
Admirers have no words more eloquent. TopMob expresses gratitude to Rachael for the gifts she shared with us throughout the years. Her spirit will remain eternal, embodied in her legacy and the hearts and lives she impacted deeply.
Sources: Instagram, IGN
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2024-08-18 03:54