Pokémon star James Carter Cathcart, who voiced Meowth, Professor Oak and Team Rocket character, dies aged 71
Pokémon star James Carter Cathcart, who voiced many of the series' iconic characters, has died. He was 71.
Cathcart passed away on Tuesday after a years-long battle with throat cancer, US outlets have reported.
His family confirmed to media outlets he died in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York.
Pokémon star James Carter Cathcart, who voiced many of the series' iconic characters, has died. He was 71. Facebook/@Leesa Harrington-Squyres
READ MORE: Julian McMahon's cause of death revealed days after his passing
Cathcart brought several iconic characters to life for english-speaking audiences with his voice, including Professor Oak, Meowth, Gary Oak and James from Team Rocket for 25 years in the long-running anime.
He also voiced Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X and the Shadow the Hedgehog video game.
Cathcart was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2023, retiring from acting after completing work on the English dub of Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys.
Cathcart voiced Professor Oak in the series. OLM, Inc
He also voiced Meowth and James from Team Rocket (right). OLM, Inc
He also did voiceover work for brands such as Kit Kat chocolate bars, Coors Light and more.
Fellow voice actor Erica Schroeder, who voiced Nurse Joy, Wobbuffet and many other characters in Pokémon, wrote on Instagram in the wake of his passing: "Rest in peace dear sweet man. I will miss you. The community will miss you. The world will miss you.
READ MORE: Tearful Kate Beckinsale sings to her mother in hospital
"One of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls no longer walks with us. James Carter Cathcart you were one of a kind, a gentle, beautiful, playful genius and I was happy to call you my friend.
The Pokémon anime series has been running since April 1, 1997. OLM, Inc
"Master of the pen, piano and microphone. Friend to many. Loving father and husband. Thank you for your gifts."
Musician Leesa Harrington-Squyres wrote: "Oh no. My friend James Carter Cathcart has passed. He put up a fierce battle with that horrible C word. What an AMAZING musician and voice actor...the voice of Meoweth and Jake on Pokemon (also wrote the scripts!).
"One of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls no longer walks with us." Instagram/@ericaschroederva
READ MORE: With F1, Damson Idris has moved into Hollywood's fast lane
"He was one of the first people I got to know when moving up here. My heart goes out to his children and his friends. He will be missed. RIP Carter... you are now with the big band in the sky."
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Most viewed in Lifestyle
Security concerns force Archie, Lilibet to change schools after two days as Meghan’s protection placed under review
Every showstopping red carpet look from the 2026 Emmy Awards
Check the label: What’s really inside your go-to supermarket chicken nuggets, tenders and schnitzels
The four-year experiment that created Australia’s best sausage roll
![“Anything over 70 per cent [chicken content] is really good.”](https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.3918%2C$multiply_3%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_104%2C$y_104/t_crop_custom/c_scale%2Cw_144%2Ce_sharpen:60%2Cq_auto:best%2Cfl_any_format/a7e4022992b8869eb8199b3383ac50542f901f189df6ce89fc374ca30db7837d)
