Rachael Lillis, known for her decades-spanning work as the original English voice actor for multiple characters in the Pokémon franchise, has died.
Per multiple reports, including from Deadline and other industry trades, Lillis had been diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. She died on Aug. 10 at the age of 46. The actress’ sister, Laurie Orr, shared a statement confirming the death on a GoFundMe that had been established to help raise money for medical needs and related bills.
"With a heavy heart, I regret to say that Rachael has passed away," Orr said. "She passed peacefully Saturday night, without pain, and for that we are grateful. She is with God, the angels, and family that has passed before her, surrounded by infinite Love. Unfortunately, regrettably, I was not with her. 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."
Lillis’ Pokémon credits include Misty, Jigglypuff, Jessie, and more. The actress also contributed voice talent to Ollie & Scoops, Winx Club, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Sonic X, Shadow of the Elves—just to name a mere few from an expansive filmography.
"My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free," Orr said Monday.
Veronica Taylor, a fellow Pokémon alum known for her own voice work as Ash, remembered her former collaborator as both "an extraordinary talent" and "bright light" who "vanished too soon." Per Taylor, a memorial for her late friend will be announced at a later date.
See more tributes to Lillis, not to mention a selection of fans’ favorite memories from her world-bettering work as an artist, below.
RIP.