Having studied in Boston and New York City, Rachel Lillis started to work professionally in 1997.
While she was originally trained in stage work, Lillis was keen on voice-over work, lending her voice to video games, anime and video games. She had over 120 acting credits over her 20 plus year career in the business.
Such credits include Pokémon, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Sonix X, Super Smash Bros, Hunter x Hunter among others.
Lillis passed away following a battle with breast cancer. Her death was confirmed by co star Veronica Taylor, who was the original voice of Pokémon's main character Ash Ketchum.
In a letter, Taylor hailed Lillis as an "extraordinary talent", and a "bright light that shone through her voice whether speaking or singing".
"We all know Rachael Lillis from the many wonderful roles she played", Taylor wrote. "She filled our Saturday mornings and before/after school hours with her beautiful voice, her terrific comic timing, and her remarkable acting skills".
Veronica Taylor also paid tribute to Rachel Lillis for her "many animated roles she played," which she labelled "iconic performances".
She added: "Rachael was so thankful for all the generous love and support that was given to her as she battled with 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".
In her tribute's comment section, Veronica Taylor continued: "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 humor, 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".
"Like the shooting stars in the Perseids, Rachael was a magnificent wonder and truly special. She burned bright and vanished too soon", she added. "She will live on in our memories for eternity".
