Team Rocket & Professor Oak voice actor James Carter Cathcart died age 71

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James Carter Cathcart, well-known voice actor, particularly for his work in the Pokemon anime series, passed away at the age of 71.

Cathcart significantly contributed to the English dubbing of Pokemon, giving life to numerous well-known characters within the franchise. He voiced Gary Oak, Ash Ketchum’s competitor, as well as Professor Oak, the shrewd advisor guiding aspiring trainers. Moreover, Cathcart was responsible for the voices of two of Team Rocket’s most memorable members: James and his companion, Meowth.

Over numerous years, he significantly influenced the childhood experiences of countless fans globally through his captivating performances. His versatility, wit, and emotional depth breathed life into these characters, contributing significantly to the worldwide popularity of the show.

Team Rocket voice actor dies aged 71

Actress Erica Schroeder, who voices characters in the Pokémon series, paid an emotional tribute to her late colleague, Rob Paulsen, on various social platforms.

In my own words, I mournfully express: “May you rest in peace, dear, sweet soul. I’ll deeply miss you, as will our community and the world. You were an extraordinary individual, filled with joy, exuberance, kindness, and prodigious talent. James Carter Cathcart, you stood alone, a gentle, radiant, playful genius, and it was a privilege to call you my friend.

She portrayed him as a polymath, proficient in various skills such as writing, playing the piano, and singing, while recalling him as a devoted father, spouse, and cherished companion to numerous others.

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A post shared by Erica Schroeder (@ericaschroederva)

In more recent times, Cathcart took a break from voice acting due to a cancer diagnosis. His last project within the Pokemon series was completed in 2023, marking almost a quarter of a century since he first joined the franchise.

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2025-07-10 20:48