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James Carter Cathcart, renowned for voicing multiple iconic characters in the Pokémon franchise, has died at the age of 71 following a prolonged battle with throat cancer. He passed away on Tuesday, July 8, while in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York, as confirmed by multiple sources including TMZ and fellow colleagues.
Cathcart, whose voice became synonymous with characters such as Professor Oak, Meowth, Gary Oak, and James from Team Rocket, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2023. His initial treatments proved ineffective, leading to a more aggressive round of chemotherapy. Following his diagnosis, he retired from voice acting after completing his work on the English dub of Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys.
In addition to his contribution to Pokémon, Cathcart also lent his voice to Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X and the Shadow the Hedgehog video game, earning him recognition among fans of the Sonic franchise.
He joined the Pokémon voice cast in 2006 during the Ruby and Sapphire era, taking over several character roles and remaining a part of the series for nearly 17 years until Ash's journey came to an end.
The voice acting community and fans have been mourning his death. Fellow voice actor Erica Schroeder remembered Cathcart as "one of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls." In an emotional Instagram tribute, she added, "You were one of a kind, a gentle, beautiful, playful genius... Master of the pen, piano and microphone. Friend to many. Loving father and husband. Thank you for your gifts."
Fans also shared their grief online. One commented, "Not Carter. I loved him so much. A real legend. My condolences and my heart go out to his family and all of his friends." Another wrote, "He was honestly my favourite voice actor for Meowth and James. I'll miss him. May he rest in peace."
Cathcart's passing comes nearly a year after the death of fellow Pokémon voice actor Rachael Lillis, who voiced Misty, Jessie, and Jigglypuff. She died on August 10, 2024, after battling breast cancer.
