James Carter Cathcart, a celebrated voice actor known for portraying iconic characters like Meowth, James, and Professor Oak in the English dubs of various “Pokémon” projects, has passed away at the age of 71. His wife, Martha Jacobi, shared the news on Facebook, expressing gratitude toward his fans for their support over the years. She noted that his passion for his craft was driven by the joy he brought to many, thanking fans for their appreciation.
Cathcart’s funeral is scheduled for next month in New York, and his wife mentioned that memorial arrangements are being set up with a charity that held special significance for her late husband. Although the cause of death was not disclosed, Cathcart had reportedly retired earlier this year following chemotherapy treatment for throat cancer.
Fellow voice actor Erica Schroeder honored Cathcart on Instagram, calling him “one of a kind” and expressing sorrow over the loss of such a joyful and talented spirit.
Born in New Jersey in 1954, Cathcart initially garnered attention as a musician in the 1970s rock band Laughing Dogs, performing at renowned venues like CBGB. He made his mark in animation by voicing Cap’n O.G. Readmore for the ABC Weekend Special series and became a cornerstone of the Pokémon franchise starting with “Pokémon: The First Movie” in 1998.
Throughout his prolific career, Cathcart contributed to more than 30 Pokémon projects and worked as a script adaptor. His extensive body of work has left a significant legacy in the world of animation, cherished by fans across generations.
This unfortunate news serves as a reminder of the joy and connection that voice actors bring to their audiences and the lasting impact of their work. James Carter Cathcart’s legacy in the animation industry will undoubtedly continue to resonate with fans and inspire future talent.
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