From Pallet Town to Central Park, a Pokémon voice actress’ memory lives on. Rachael Lillis, the original voice of Misty and Jessie, now has a bench dedicated to her life and work.
Over the summer, Pokémon voice actresses Veronica Taylor (Ash Ketchum), Tara Sands (Bulbasaur) and Lisa Ortiz (Pokémon voice director) raised money to adopt a bench in Central Park. New York is Lillis’ home state, and much of where her life and work were based.
Taylor revealed the bench on Wednesday morning in an Instagram reel. Many voice actors and fans wrote heartfelt comments:
“It is beautiful, as is the tribute, the gesture and the celebration of Rachael, her life and her work!! We were all blessed to have known and worked with her, and may this bench bring smiles and wonderful memories to those who visit,” wrote Stuart Zagnit (Professor Oak).
“What a beautiful honor. Thank you for spearheading this special tribute. May her memory be a blessing,” wrote Emily Bauer (Cynthia).
Where You Can Find Rachael’s Bench
The bench is located on the path between 106th St. and 108th St. off Central Park West, #7603. Those with large parties need to get a permit from the park before visiting, and you can do so here.
Her bench reads: “In honor of Rachael Lillis whose iconic voice filled Saturday mornings inspiring generations to come.”
“I hope you can come and sit here, and think about Rachael,” Taylor said in the video, tears welling up in her eyes.
About Rachael Lillis
Lillis died last August after a battle with breast cancer. She was 55.
Lillis was born in 1969 and studied acting in New York City and Boston. Trained as an on-stage actress, Lillis made her voiceover debut in the 1980s, and her most well-known roles are Pokémon’s Misty and Jessie from 1997 to 2006. She performed as multiple Pokémon such as Vulpix, Venonat and Goldeen. Her work can also be heard in Hunter x Hunter, Sonic X, Your Lie in April and many more.
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