James Carter Cathcart, a legendary voice actor known for his iconic roles in the Pokémon anime series, has passed away at the age of 71. The actor, who brought to life characters such as James, Meowth, Professor Oak, and Gary Oak, died after a battle with throat cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2023. His death was first reported by TMZ.
Cathcart’s career in the Pokémon franchise began with the 1998 film Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back, where he voiced the character Fergus.
His role expanded as he voiced Snubbull in the short film Pikachu’s Vacation. Over the years, Cathcart continued to lend his voice to several key Pokémon characters, including James, Meowth, and Professor Oak, eventually replacing the original voice actors in the 2000s. He became an integral part of the show and the Pokémon universe.
In addition to his famous Pokémon roles, Cathcart’s voice could be heard in other popular anime series such as Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (where he voiced Weevil Underwood), Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, One Piece, and Sonic X. He also worked on the video game Shadow the Hedgehog, lending his talents to a wide range of characters.
Throughout his career, Cathcart was also known for his work as a commercial voiceover artist and a long-time musician and vocalist. His voice became a beloved part of many childhoods, and his passing marks the end of an era for Pokémon fans around the world.
As we remember his work, fans are reflecting on the profound impact Cathcart’s voice had on them, making Pokémon an unforgettable experience for generations of viewers.