The Pokémon Company has issued a heartfelt tribute to James Carter Cathcart, the beloved voice actor who brought to life many of the franchise’s most iconic characters, including Gary Oak, James, Professor Oak, and Meowth. His passing marks the end of an era for long-time fans who grew up with his unmistakable voice across hundreds of episodes of the Pokémon anime.
A Voice That Defined Generations
Cathcart’s voice work has been central to the Pokémon anime since its earliest days. He first appeared as Ash Ketchum’s cocky rival, Gary Oak, in the show’s debut episode and quickly became a core part of the franchise’s identity. Over the years, he would go on to voice a wide range of characters, most notably Team Rocket’s flamboyant James and the wise Professor Oak, along with the iconic Meowth in later seasons.
In its tribute, Pokémon expressed deep sadness over his passing, highlighting that Cathcart didn’t just lend his voice—he also worked behind the scenes, contributing scripts for more than 700 episodes of the long-running series. The post described his work as something that would continue to “reach the hearts of Trainers everywhere,” affirming the permanent mark he left on the franchise.
Remembering a Colleague and Pioneer
Cathcart’s passing is not the only loss fans have mourned in recent years. In 2024, Rachael Lillis—another cornerstone of the original English voice cast—passed away after a battle with cancer. Lillis voiced key characters like Misty and Jessie during the early seasons of the show. Although she and Cathcart did not voice Jessie and James during the same periods, they shared a deep connection with fans through their contributions to the infamous Team Rocket trio.
Beyond Pokémon, the two collaborated on several other beloved anime titles, including The Slayers and Revolutionary Girl Utena, solidifying their place as legends within the voice acting community.
A Lasting Legacy
The Pokémon anime has evolved significantly since its original run, yet the voices of James Carter Cathcart and his colleagues remain etched in the memories of fans worldwide. Social media has been filled with emotional tributes, fan art, and reflections from those whose childhoods were shaped by his performances.
As fans and colleagues continue to process the loss, the Pokémon community stands united in celebrating the life and legacy of a voice actor who gave so much to a world of adventure, friendship, and imagination. Though James Carter Cathcart is gone, his work—and the characters he brought to life—will forever remain part of Pokémon history.
