His decades-long tenure in the series is sadly coming to an end as it was announced that voice actor James Carter Cathcart has been diagnosed with cancer, prompting him to resign from his roles in the Pokemon anime.
While the Pokemon anime is embarking on its new era without Ash as the protagonist, Cathcart will no longer be part of the journey.
Details about his diagnosis as well as his retirement were detailed in a recent post on Caring Bridge.
James Carter Cathcart’s Iconic Pokemon VA Roles
Cathcart is a veteran voice actor who has been part of the Pokemon anime series since the English dubbed version began airing way back in 1998.
While he is best known for voicing four iconic characters in the series, Cathcart also served as an English script adaptor for the anime.
He is perhaps best known for voicing two out of the three iconic Team Rocket characters, James and Meowth.
He started voicing the two at the start of the anime and he has played those roles for 25 years.
Aside from being 2/3rd of Team Rocket, Cathcart is also the voice of Professor Oak, the original Pokemon professor who has also been part of Ash Ketchum’s journey since the beginning.
Plus, Cathcart is also the voice of Gary Oak, the professor’s son and a Pokemon trainer that serves as Ash’s long-time rival.
Cathcart may be best known for his roles in Pokemon, but he is also a prolific voice actor as he has played roles in shows such as One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Tokyo Mew Mew, among others.
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James Carter Cathcart Announces Retirement From Pokemon
Back in January, it was revealed that Cathcart has been diagnosed with cancer.
Specifically, it is advanced cancer that started at the base of his tongue. Though since the diagnosis, Cathcart has received medical attention.
In the latest update from his partner Martha Jacobi, it was revealed that Cathcart will need to go through more aggressive chemotherapy.
Because of this, he decided to retire from his role in the Pokemon anime.
According to Jacobi, Cathcart’s retirement is a timely decision as the new Pokemon Horizons anime marks a transition to new characters and storylines.
For those who want to support Cathcart’s treatment and recovery, donations and other forms of support are accepted over at Caring Bridge.
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Source: Caring Bridge via @GalarAdventurer
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