Pokémon actor James Carter Cathcart, who has played several characters in the anime series, including James, Meowth, Professor Oak, and Gary Oak, has died aged 71.
He passed away on Tuesday (July 8) after battling throat cancer, according to TMZ. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2023, and then retired from acting.
He is best known for his work on the Pokémon series, which began with his role as Fergus in Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back. Elsewhere, he also played Todd Snap in Pokémon Snap and eventually joining the cast of the anime more regularly in the 2000.
Cathcart took on a slew of other roles in the show, including James, Meowth, Professor Oak, and Gary Oak.
Outside of his work in Pokémon, he also voiced Weevil Underwood in Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, and has appeared in other shows such as Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, One Piece, and Sonic X.
His Pokémon co-star Erica Schroeder, who voiced Nurse Joy, Wobbuffet and more, posted a tribute to him on her Instagram page. “Rest in peace dear sweet man. I will miss you,” she wrote.
“The community will miss you. The world will miss you. 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. Master of the pen, piano and microphone. Friend to many. Loving father and husband. Thank you for your gifts.”
Fans have been reacting to the news of the James Carter Cathcart’s death. Read some tributes to the Pokémon actor below.
Fuck cancer. Rest in peace J. Carter Cathcart, the voice of James and Meowth pic.twitter.com/u1gMUJqLLY
— MegamanNG (@MegamanRA) July 10, 2025
Devastated to hear James Carter Cathcart (James, Meowth, Professor Oak and Gary Oak in the Pokémon anime and also former script adaptor) has passed away.
He played such a big part of my childhood, even having been part of the anime since the very beginning and he will be missed. pic.twitter.com/xCo9mRgifr
— Alex Casswell (@AlexCasswell) July 10, 2025
RIP James Carter Cathcart. A legendary voice across so much childhood media, including Pokemon, Yugioh, and Sonic X's english dubs over the decades.
He will be dearly missed, thank you for all the amazing memories you gave us! pic.twitter.com/McHgB9b5sA
— TRAFON(s Backup Account) (@RiseFallNickBck) July 10, 2025
RIP James Carter Cathcart pic.twitter.com/njPRgjBIkB
— David Leavitt 🎲🎮🧙♂️🌈 (@David_Leavitt) July 10, 2025
In other Pokémon-related news, it has confirmed a collaboration with LEGO will be released next year, the 30th anniversary of the hit video game series.
“For the first time, the LEGO Group will be bringing the most loved Pokémon to life in a brand-new way, with play experiences that will delight new and existing fans alike. Fans should keep their binoculars peeled and their Pokédex ready to experience the world of LEGO Pokémon, coming their way in 2026,” reads the announcement post, with Nintendo also sharing a brief teaser trailer.
Earlier this year, Pokémon boss Tsunekazu Ishihara said he believed the series could reach its 100th anniversary, but only if they keep innovating. “If we become complacent and go with the flow, that’s when it will go downhill.”