James Carter Cathcart, beloved voice actor and musician, has passed away at the age of 71 following a two-year battle with throat cancer. Widely known for his iconic roles in the Pokémon anime series, Cathcart died in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York, on Tuesday, as reported by TMZ.
Cathcart, who also went by the name Jimmy Zoppi, was a cornerstone of the English-language Pokémon franchise for decades.
He voiced several key characters including Meowth, the flamboyant James of Team Rocket, the wise Professor Oak, and the ambitious Gary Oak. His work began with the show’s English dub in the late 1990s and continued until 2023, when his diagnosis led him to retire.
Renowned for his vocal versatility, Cathcart brought humor, heart, and depth to his roles, earning him a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Beyond animation, he also lent his voice to numerous video games, further establishing his legacy in the voice acting community.
Before his career in voice acting, Cathcart was active in music. He performed with various bands in his youth and was a member of The Laughing Dogs, a rock band that released two albums with Columbia Records in the 1970s. He also fronted his own group, the Carter Cathcart Band, showcasing his talents as a singer and songwriter.
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Cathcart completed his final voice work in Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys before stepping away to focus on treatment. Despite undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, his condition worsened over time.
Tributes have poured in following his death. Fellow voice actor Erica Schroeder remembered him as “one of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls.” In a heartfelt message, she wrote, “Master of the pen, piano and microphone. Friend to many. Loving father and husband. Thank you for your gifts.”
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