James Carter Cathcart, the beloved voice actor behind several iconic Pokémon characters, has passed away at age 71. He died after a long battle with throat cancer in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York.
Cathcart retired in 2023 due to his illness, ending a decades-long career in voice acting and music. He was best known for voicing James, Meowth, and Professor Oak in the Pokémon series — roles that defined the childhoods of millions around the world.
His death was confirmed by fellow voice actor Erica Schroeder, who paid tribute on Instagram:
“Rest in peace dear sweet man… a gentle, beautiful, playful genius. Master of the pen, piano, and microphone.”
A Versatile Career
Born on March 8, 1954, in New Jersey, Cathcart started his career in music. In the 1970s, he played in a rock band called The Laughing Dogs, a group closely tied to the punk scene at CBGB in New York. The band toured with acts like Patti Smith Group, Blondie, and Cheap Trick.
In 1989, he co-wrote “Remember Me” for KISS guitarist Ace Frehley’s solo album Trouble Walkin’.
Cathcart began voice acting in the 1980s, first as Cap’n O. G. Readmore on ABC Weekend Specials. He then voiced characters for TV shows, commercials, and eventually anime.
Pokémon Stardom and Beyond
Cathcart first appeared in the Pokémon franchise in 1998’s Pokémon: The First Movie, voicing the character Fergus. In 2007, he took over the fan-favorite roles of James, Meowth, and Swellow in Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea.
Over the years, he voiced characters in more than a dozen Pokémon movies, with his final appearance in 2021’s Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle.
Fans may also recognize his voice as Vector the Crocodile from Sonic X and the Shadow the Hedgehog video game.
Remembering a Legend
Friend and musician Leesa Harrington-Squyres also shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook:
“He put up a fierce battle with that horrible C word. What an AMAZING musician and voice actor… The voice of Meowth and Jake on Pokémon. He will be missed.”
Cathcart wasn’t just a voice on screen — he also contributed to the English scriptwriting for Pokémon episodes. He was a creative force behind the scenes as well.
He leaves behind a legacy cherished by Pokémon fans and the voice acting community alike.
