The Pokémon community mourns the passing of its beloved voice actor, James Carter Cathcart, who passed on Tuesday (8th July 2025). Cathcart passed at age 71 due to a long battle with throat cancer.
The Pokémon long-standing voice actor had appeared in 15 different Pokémon films and voiced over 700 Pokémon anime episodes from 1997 to 2023. His most notable roles in the franchise include Meowth, James and Professor Oak. With his sudden passing, fellow Pokémon co-stars and voice actors have come out on social media to pay tribute to the late actor.
Pokémon co-star, Erica Schroederva, posted her tribute to Cathcart, which reads, “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, gentle, beautiful, playful genius, and I was happy to call you my friend”. Another co-star, Sarah Natochenny, who voices Ash Ketchum in the franchise, also dedicated a post to him, mentioning her gratitude to have spent 17 years on the set with him.
Pokemon fans around the world have shared their condolences, including Honkai: Star Rail voice actress, Dawn M. Bennet, who voiced Yukong. She comments, “I never had the chance to meet him, but he seemed like one of the nicest folks around and an extremely talented pianist as well.”. Other comments from fans correlated the passing of both Cathcart and Rachel Lillis, who passed in August 2024, as the loss of beloved Team Rocket duo James and Jessie.
We send our condolences to the Cathcart family, fellow Pokémon co-stars, as well as all Pokémon fans around the world.
Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
