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James Carter Cathcart, Voice of Pokémon’s Professor Oak and Meowth, Dies at 71

His wife confirmed his death from throat cancer with a funeral service scheduled for early August

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Ash, Pikachu and Misty (background) in 4Kids Entertainment's animated adventure "Pokémon 3," distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, on April 17, 2001.
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Overview

  • Cathcart passed away on July 8 in hospice care in Forest Hills, New York, after a two-year battle with throat cancer.
  • His wife, Martha Jacobi, announced his death on Facebook and said funeral arrangements are underway for early August.
  • Over a 25-year career he voiced Professor Oak, Gary Oak, Team Rocket’s James and Meowth in more than 700 episodes and 15 films of the English-dubbed Pokémon series.
  • He retired from voice acting in 2023 following his cancer diagnosis after completing his work on Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys.
  • Fellow actors and fans, including Erica Schroeder, have paid tribute to his joyful spirit and lasting influence on animation.