Actress Rachael Lillis, who provided the voices of multiple Pokémon characters, has died aged 46.
Lillis was diagnosed with breast cancer in May and died on Saturday.
She voiced Misty, Jessie and Jigglypuff in the beloved Nineties Japanese animated TV and film series.
Her death was announced “with a very heavy heart” by Veronica Taylor, who was Pokémon lead character Ash Ketchum in the English dub.
“Rachael was an extraordinary talent, a bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing,” Ms Taylor wrote.
“She will be forever remembered for the many animated roles she played, with her iconic performances as Pokémon’s Misty and Jessie being the most beloved.
“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.”
She added: “I was lucky enough to know Rachael as a friend. She had unlimited kindness and compassion, even until the very end. She had a great sense of humour, was wonderful to be with, incredibly intelligent, and had such a memory. She worked hard and cared deeply. I am not sure how this very dark void will be filled now that her light no longer shines in it.”
Lillis’ sister Laurie Orr confirmed the death on a GoFundMe page which has raised more than $100,000 (£78,104) to cover some of her remaining medical bills, a memorial service and cancer research.
“This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken,” wrote Laurie Orr, adding that her sister’s health began to decline last week.
“My heart breaks losing my dear little sister, though I am comforted knowing she is free,“ she said of the sibling known to her loved ones as “Rae”.
Born in 1978 in New York, Lillis trained in opera before becoming a voice actor in the 1990s.
She appeared on 423 episodes of Pokémon between 1997 and 2015.
Lillis also played characters in shows including Hunter x Hunter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Winx Club.
In a statement, a Pokémon Company International spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rachael Lillis.
“Her performance in the Pokémon animated series will be cherished by the many fans who grew up with the characters she brought to life with her special talent.
“She will be remembered for generations to come, and we will always keep her close in our hearts.”
