Who voiced Pokémon's Misty and Jessie? Everything to know about Rachael Lillis

Renowned voice actor Rachael Lillis gave some of the most iconic Pokémon series characters — including Misty and Jessie — life. Fans have grown to love these characters, and the Pokémon experience cannot function without their voices.

Rachael Lillis died at the age of 46 on August 10, 2024, leaving behind a legacy loved by the next generations of fans. Her co-star Veronica Taylor, who dubbed Ash Ketchum in a moving post on social media, announced her death. She posted on X,

"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. #RachaelLillis"

Rachael, diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2024, was a talented and resilient woman. Her voice acting career began in the 1990s and became prominent.

Her portrayal of Misty, the gym leader for water-type Pokémon, and Jessie, Team Rocket's villain, made her famous among anime fans. Rachael voiced other characters like Jigglypuff as well.

Pokémon, a global phenomenon, follows Ash Ketchum's quest to become a Pokémon Master. Misty, one of Ash's closest friends, is fiery and loves water-type Pokémon.

Jessie, though, is a part of Team Rocket and plots to steal a rare Pokémon, especially Ash's Pikachu. Rachael Lillis perfectly portrayed these characters.

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Rachael Lillis: Jessie and Misty's legacy in the Pokemon series

Ash Ketchum, a young trainer, strives to become the greatest Pokémon Master in the Pokémon series. Ash travels the world with his loyal Pikachu, fighting other trainers, catching new Pokémon and earning Gym Leader badges.

Misty, a water-type Pokémon expert, becomes one of Ash's closest friends early on. Rachael voiced Misty, bringing determination, kindness and a fiery temper.

Rachael plays Jessie, one of the main antagonists in the show. She creates Team Rocket, a group driven by obtaining strong and rare Pokémon for their sinister uses, alongside her boyfriend James, and the talking Meowth.

Lillis' dynamic voice acting helped Jessie's character — known for its dramatic flair, relentless ambition and convoluted background — to come alive.

Rachael's Pokémon contributions go beyond Misty and Jessie. She also voiced Jigglypuff, the cute Pokémon that sings to sleep. Jigglypuff's episodes were fan-favorites because Rachael brought out the character's playful yet determined nature.

Rachael Lillis' career

Lillis voiced many characters in anime series, movies and video games over her career. Apart from her work in Pokémon, she provided vocals for series including Hunter × Hunter, Fate/Stay Night, Revolutionary Girl Utena and Berserk. Her voice acting range was wide, from quirky side characters to strong female leads, highlighting her adaptability.

Along with voice acting, Lillis wrote scripts for multiple projects. Her influence on the anime and voice-acting community gained her a loyal following and respect from her peers.

Moving to Los Angeles in 2013, Rachael carried on her career until her diagnosis in 2024. Fans and colleagues greatly supported her in her fight with breast cancer, funding her treatment. As Veronica Taylor's tribute notes, Rachael stayed cheerful and appreciative of the love she got despite her disease.

In addition to voicing Misty and Jessie, Rachael will be remembered for her voice-acting contributions will be remembered. Fans grieve her loss but celebrate her unforgettable performances, which brought them joy and excitement. Rachael's voiced characters and memories live on in Pokémon fans.