Rachael Lillis is a renowned American voice actress and scriptwriter, celebrated for her extensive work in animated series, theater, and independent films. Her career is marked by her iconic roles in the Pokémon series, where she voiced characters such as Misty and Jessie.
Rachael Lillis was born on July 8, 1978, in Niagara Falls, New York. She pursued her passion for acting by studying in Boston and New York City, which laid the foundation for her diverse career in voice acting and theater.
Lillis is best known for her work in the Pokémon series, where she voiced Misty and Jessie for the first eight seasons. Her voice-acting portfolio extends beyond Pokémon, including roles in Cubix, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Revolutionary Girl Utena. She has also lent her voice to various video games and audiobooks, notably performing approximately 25 characters in the audiobook Diary of a Fairy Godmother.
In addition to her voice acting, Lillis has appeared in various theater productions and independent films. Her talents also extend to singing and playing the Irish flute, which she performed with local Irish bands in New York City.
Lillis has contributed to the adaptation of television scripts, with credits for series such as Apocalypse Zero and Boogiepop Phantom. Her work in script adaptation showcases her versatility and depth in the entertainment industry.
Rachael Lillis was based in New York City during the 1990s and 2000s before relocating to Los Angeles in 2013. Despite her move, she maintained strong ties to her roots in theater and voice acting.
In May 2024, it was revealed that Lillis had developed breast cancer. Sadly, Lillis passed away on August 10, 2024, at the age of 46, after battling breast cancer. Her death was announced by her friend and fellow voice actor Veronica Taylor, who expressed gratitude for the support Lillis received during her illness. A GoFundMe campaign had been launched to assist with her medical expenses, raising over $90,000.
Rachael Lillis’s contributions to voice acting, theater, and scriptwriting have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her work continues to be celebrated by fans of the series and productions she has been a part of, marking her as a significant figure in American voice acting.