Pokemon voice actress Rachael Lillis – who the voiced the characters Misty and Jessie on the beloved show – has died at the age of 46.
Co-star Veronica Taylor, who voiced the character Ash Ketchum, confirmed that Lillis died after a battle with breast cancer on Saturday.
‘Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing,’ Taylor said.
‘She will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played, with her iconic performances as Pokemon’s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved.
‘I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it.’
Misty’s character sported a short orange ponytail and traveled with Ash while specializing in water-type Pokemon in the show that launched in 1996.
Jessie is a member of rival Team Rocket who followed Ash and friends around often trying to steal his Pikachu.
Her sister, Laurie Orr, said in a GoFundMe update that Lillis’ health started to decline in the past week.
‘This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken. My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free,’ Orr said.
‘She remembered many of you that she happily met at conventions, for instance, and related stories to us about the experience and all the people she appreciated meeting.’
In the Pokemon universe, Lillis also voiced the beloved singing Pokemon Jigglypuff and played the character in the popular Super Smash Brothers Nintendo game, according to Variety.
She also had roles in Your Lie in April, Hunter x Hunter, Winx Club and many more shows.
It was revealed Lillis was diagnosed with breast cancer in May and she had been living in a nursing home since January.