Though it was originally reported that Lillis was 46, the New York Times confirmed with her sister, Laurie Orr, that she was born on July 8, 1969.
Lillis was diagnosed with breast cancer in May. Veronica Taylor, Lillis’ “Pokémon” co-star who voiced the lead character Ash Ketchum, posted a statement on X Monday morning that announced Lillis’ death.
variety.com
Her sister Laurie Orr and her “Ash” co-star Veronica Taylor both confirmed the news.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Rachael Lillis on Saturday evening, 10 August 2024. Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing,” Taylor said in a statement.
“Rachael was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled cancer. It truly made a positive difference. Her family also wishes to thank you as they take this time to grieve privately. A memorial is being planned for a future date.”
Pokemon Star Rachael Lillis Launches GoFundMe Amid Cancer Battle
The anime community is coming together to rally behind one of its beloved stars. Not long ago, a GoFundMe was made for Rachael Lillis, a voice actor Pokemon fans will know well. The campaign was created to fund home health care for Lillis as the veteran voice actor is battling breast cancer.
According to the GoFundMe, Lillis has been fighting breast cancer, and the disease has spread into her spine. The progression has made walking nearly impossible for Lillis, prompting her to enter a nursing home in Los Angeles. The voice actress has been in residence since January, but the high-traffic location has made resting difficult for Lillis.
“Hello everyone. I’m trying to raise some funds for my sister Rachael Lillis who is currently in a nursing home facility in Los Angeles. She has been there since late January, but needs either personal care at home for a time Or an Assisted Living facility perhaps, one where she can receive daily care and medication,” Laurie Orr, Lillis’ sister, shared on GoFundMe.
To date, Lillis’ GoFundMe has earned more than $67,000 USD. “For Rachael, it has been so emotionally moving & she feels honored to have had this outpouring of love and support from everyone,” the campaign shared in a recent update. “It amazes us that so many have been so kind in their support and we give sincere thanks to you all!”
comicbook.com
Rachael Lillis Has Voiced Characters for Numerous Iconic Anime Titles
Rachael Lillis’ career as an American voice actor began in 1997, with her providing the dubbed voice for Satsuki in Takegami: Guardian of Darkness. Since then, she has worked for two decades providing her voice to characters in many popular anime franchises. Some of her most notable roles have been in Revolutionary Girl Utena (Utena, Chu Chu, Shiori), Berserk (Princess Charlotte) and Hunter x Hunter (Mito Freecss, Cocco), the latter being her most recent work.