Rachael Lillis, the talented voice actor best known for bringing to life iconic characters like Misty, Jessie, and Jigglypuff in the “Pokémon” franchise, has passed away at the age of 55. Lillis, a cherished figure in the anime and voice acting community, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday evening after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her sister, Laurie Orr, who shared an update on the GoFundMe page that had been launched to support Rachael’s care during her illness. Laurie expressed the family’s profound grief, noting that while she could not be by Rachael’s side at the time of her passing, she took solace in knowing that her sister died without pain. “It was just this past week that she was starting to decline. This was unexpected and we are completely grief-stricken. We ask for peace, for now, as her family grieves this loss,” Laurie wrote.
Rachael Lillis was a veteran performer whose voice became synonymous with the childhoods of millions around the world. Her work on “Pokémon,” one of the most popular and enduring franchises in television history, made her a beloved figure among fans. As the voice of Misty, the fiery and determined Cerulean City Gym Leader, and Jessie, one half of the mischievous Team Rocket duo, Lillis brought warmth, humor, and depth to characters that have left a lasting impact on audiences.
Veronica Taylor, Rachael’s co-star on “Pokémon” and the voice behind Ash Ketchum, paid tribute to her dear friend on Instagram. In a touching message, Taylor reflected on Rachael’s kindness and compassion, qualities that she exhibited even in the face of her illness. Taylor also expressed gratitude to the fans whose love and support had buoyed Rachael during her battle with cancer, emphasizing the special bond between Rachael and the anime community.
Beyond her work on “Pokémon,” Rachael Lillis was a prolific voice actor with a wide-ranging career in anime. She lent her voice to characters in numerous films and television shows, including “Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission,” “Berserk: The Golden Age Arc,” “Sonic X,” “Animation Runner Kuromi,” and “Guardian of Darkness.” Her versatility and talent made her a respected and admired figure in the industry, and her contributions to the world of anime will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.
Rachael Lillis leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a lasting impact on the hearts of those who grew up with her characters. Her passing is a profound loss for the voice acting community and for the many fans who were touched by her work. As the world mourns the loss of a true talent, Rachael Lillis will be remembered not only for the characters she brought to life but also for the kindness and grace with which she lived her life.
Rachael Lillis was 46 years old. May she rest in peace.
PORT ALBERNI, B.C. – RCMP say the body of a second person has been found inside their vehicle after a road washed away amid pouring rain on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Police say two vehicles went into the Sarita River when Bamfield Road washed out on Saturday as an atmospheric river hammered southern B.C.
The body of the other driver was found Sunday.
More coming.
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
The B.C. Greens say Sonia Furstenau will be staying on as party leader, despite losing her seat in the legislature in Saturday’s provincial election.
The party says in a statement that its two newly elected MLAs, Jeremy Valeriote and Rob Botterell, support Furstenau’s leadership as they “navigate the prospect of having the balance of power in the legislature.”
Neither the NDP led by Premier David Eby nor the B.C. Conservatives led by John Rustad secured a majority in the election, with two recounts set to take place from Oct. 26 to 28.
Eby says in a news conference that while the election outcome is uncertain, it’s “very likely” that the NDP would need the support of others to pass legislation.
He says he reached out to Furstenau on election night to congratulate her on the Greens’ showing.
But he says the Green party has told the NDP they are “not ready yet” for a conversation about a minority government deal.
The Conservatives went from taking less than two per cent of the vote in 2020 to being elected or leading in 45 ridings, two short of a majority and only one behind the NDP.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osorio is making a difference, 4,175 kilometres away from home.
The 32-year-old Canadian international midfielder, whose parents hail from Colombia, has been working with the Canadian Colombian Children’s Organization, a charity whose goal is to help disadvantaged youth in the South American country.
Osorio has worked behind the scenes, with no fanfare.
Until now, with his benevolence resulting in becoming Toronto FC’s nominee for the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award, which honours an MLS player “who showed outstanding dedication to charitable efforts and serving the community” during the 2024 season.”
Other nominees include Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois.
The winner will be announced in late November.
The Canadian Colombian Children’s Organization (CCCO) is run entirely by volunteers like Monica Figueredo and Claudia Soler. Founded in 1991, it received charitable status in 2005.
The charity currently has four projects on the go: two in Medellin and one each in Armenia and Barranquilla.
They include a school, a home for young girls whose parents are addicted to drugs, after-school and weekend programs for children in a disadvantaged neighbourhood, and nutrition and education help for underprivileged youth.
The organization heard about Osorio and was put in contact with him via an intermediary, which led to a lunch meeting. Osorio did his due diligence and soon got back to the charity with his decision.
“It was something that I wanted to be a part of right away,” said Osorio, whose lone regret is that he didn’t get involved sooner.
“I’m fortunate now that to help more now that I could have back then,” he added. “The timing actually worked out for everybody. For the last three years I have donated to their cause and we’ve built a couple of (football) fields in different cities over there in the schools.”
His father visited one of the sites in Armenia close to his hometown.
“He said it was amazing, the kids, how grateful they are to be able to play on any pitch, really,” said Osorio. “But to be playing on a new pitch, they’re just so grateful and so humble.
“It really makes it worth it being part of this organization.”
The collaboration has also made Osorio take stock.
“We’re very fortunate here in Canada, I think, for the most part. Kids get to go to school and have a roof over their head and things like that. In Colombia, it’s not really the same case. My father and his family grew up in tough conditions, so giving back is like giving back to my father.”
Osorio’s help has been a godsend to the charity.
“We were so surprised with how willing he was,” said Soler.
The TFC skipper has helped pay for a football field in Armenia as well as an ambitious sports complex under construction in Barranquilla.
“It’s been great for them,” Figueredo said of the pitch in Armenia. “Because when they go to school, now they have a proper place to train.”
Osorio has also sent videos encouraging the kids to stay active — as well as shipping soccer balls and signed jerseys their way.
“They know more about Jonathan than the other players in Colombia,” Figueredo said. “That’s the funny part. Even though he’s far away, they’ve connected with him.”
“They feel that they have a future, that they can do more,” she added. “Seeing that was really, really great.”
The kids also followed Osorio through the 2022 World Cup and this summer’s Copa America.
Back home, Osorio has also attended the charity’s annual golf tournament, helping raise funds.
A Toronto native, he has long donated four tickets for every TFC home game to the Hospital for Sick Children.
Vancouver’s Berhalter was nominated for his involvement in the Whitecaps’ partnership with B.C. Children’s Hospital while Montreal’s Sirois was chosen for his work with the Montreal Impact Foundation.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2024.
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