Latest news with #JamesCarterCathcart
Geek Girl Authority
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
RIP James Carter Cathcart, Longtime POKÉMON Voice Actor
Last week, we received the heartbreaking announcement that longtime Pokémon voice actor James Carter Cathcart passed away at the age of 71 on July 8, 2025. Fans knew him best as the English voice of Gary Oak. He picked up the subsequent roles of Team Rocket's James and Meowth, as well as Professor Oak, following the departure of several original actors and the passing of Maddie Blaustein (Meowth) in 2008. Credited under a handful of names — including Carter Cathcart, Billy Beach, Jimmy Zoppi and more — some might be surprised to learn that Cathcart was also the voice behind characters like Fergus, the fiercely confident Water-type Trainer from Pokémon: The First Movie and its 2019 remake Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution. The actor voiced several Pokémon throughout the TV and video game series, to boot. (Remember the Snubbull from the Pikachu's Vacation short in The First Movie ? Yeah, that was him, too.) POKÉMON: THE FIRST MOVIE – MEWTWO STRIKES BACK. Photo courtesy of Pokémon TV. But Cathcart's work went beyond the world of Pokémon . He famously voiced Weevil Underwood in Yu-Gi-Oh! and Vector the Crocodile from Sonic X. His voice can also be heard in a long list of video games and animated series, including One Piece . RELATED: 10 Women Who Voice Popular Male Characters To say the actor played a major role in childhoods everywhere is an understatement. Like the characters he brought to life, Cathcart is beloved by fans and will be sorely missed by those who grew up hearing his voice every Saturday morning. Or, in the case of younger fans, anytime a new season of Pokémon dropped on Netflix. A Voice of a Generation POKÉMON THE SERIES: BLACK AND WHITE Season 14 Episode 6, 'Dreams by the Yard Full.' Photo courtesy of Tubi. James Carter Cathcart was a part of Pokémon for most of its ongoing run, spanning nearly three decades. He'd already been attached to a string of voice acting gigs prior to his Pokémon debut. However, he'd go on to reprise the roles of Gary, Professor Oak, James and Meowth through 2023. And let's not forget the countless Pokémon he voiced in games like Pokémon Snap, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Pokémon Masters over the years. Like many '90s kids, I was also a Pokémon kid. I'm still a massive fan today. When I look back on decades spent watching the animated series and playing through every game I could get my hands on, Cathcart's voice is among the easiest to recall. James and Meowth (and Gary, if you're asking 10-year-old me) were the bad guys, for all intents and purposes. But it's tough to separate Team Rocket and Ash's first rival from our protagonists. RELATED: Switch 2 Doesn't Fix Pokémon's Biggest Problem Team Rocket was there, episode after episode, season after season, always hatching a new scheme to steal Pikachu or make a quick buck. Oftentimes, their ill-advised plans would take them to the same place as Ash and his friends. Like the time they all wound up inside a mansion 'haunted' by a lonely Espurr in Pokémon XY , just as scared as the 'twerps' right there with them. There's no shortage of episodes that show us a more sympathetic side to Team Rocket's most famous trio. Sometimes, we even find ourselves rooting for them during the rare moments in which they side with our heroes. Thank You, James Carter Cathcart POKÉMON THE SERIES: BLACK AND WHITE Season 14 Episode 27, 'The Dragon Master's Path.' Photo courtesy of Tubi. There's no removing James Carter Cathcart from these unforgettable journeys. In a big way, he made them what they were. Who could ever forget a talking Meowth (with a Brooklyn accent, no less)? As the journey continues, it only makes sense to thank Cathcart for his talent, versatility and the countless memories he's given fans of Pokémon and the many other series in which his voice can be heard. It's time for a re-watch. Pokémon: The First Movie is now streaming for free on the official Pokémon TV YouTube channel. You can also find the original animated series and Pokémon the Series: XY on Netflix. Anime Roundup: Everything Coming Out in July 2025 (Part 1) Olivia Rolls (she/her) is a weekly contributor at GGA, specializing in cozy games, anime and all things horror. Her byline has appeared at publications like The Mary Sue, The Escapist, GameSkinny and more. When she's not writing deep dives on her favorite games, shows, movies or characters, she's probably yapping about the latest pop culture trends or catching up on another Pokémon playthrough. E-mail professional inquiries to [email protected]. You can also find Olivia on Bluesky and LinkedIn.
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic British toy chain reveals top 100 toys of all time including retro classics – did your favourite make the list?
We reveal the full list including Pokemon Cards and Subbuteo below TOY JOY Iconic British toy chain reveals top 100 toys of all time including retro classics – did your favourite make the list? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC toy chain has revealed a list of the top 100 toys of all time, including some childhood classics. The team of buyers at Hamleys has rounded up its favourite games, dolls and more throughout history as it marks its 265th birthday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Hamleys has revealed its ultimate list of the top 100 toys of all time Credit: Alamy Victoria Kay, head buyer at Hamleys, said: "Once you start looking at this (list), it turns rapidly into a nostalgia-fest – even for toys from four or five years ago." Classic toys such as Barbie dolls, first launched in 1959, made the top 100 list, as well as iconic card game UNO. LEGO Harry Potter, which first went on sale in 2018, also made Hamleys' list. Some nostalgic toys also featured, including space hoppers, which first launched in 1970, and Jenga. We reveal the top 100 list down below, but here are five standouts. Monopoly 6 Monopoly is sold across the globe in dozens of languages Credit: Getty A game which inevitably leads to debate and arguments among friends and family, Monopoly first launched in 1935. The true icon of board games, more than 113 local editions exist in countries across the world with it available in 46 languages. Since its launch almost a century ago, it is believed to have sold over 300million copies worldwide. You can currently pick up the classic Monopoly game from Smyths Toys for £14.99. UNO 6 UNO was first developed in the United States Credit: Getty A simple but endlessly enjoyable game, more than 150million sets of UNO have sold worldwide across 80 countries. Pokemon star dead at 71: Legendary voice actor James Carter Cathcart played string of fan-favourite characters in show The game, which you win by getting rid of all your cards, was first invented in 1971. A pack of UNO cards is on sale for £3.99 currently on Rubik's Cube 6 The Rubik's Cube was originally called a Magic Cube Credit: PA No list of top toys would be complete without the Rubik's Cube, of which more than 500million copies have been sold globally. Hamleys claims this makes it the biggest selling puzzle game of all time, after its launch in 1974. The current world record for solving a Rubik's Cube is held by Xuanyi Geng, who completed a 3x3x3 cube in just over three seconds. The Works is selling one on its website for £3. Nintendo Game Boy 6 The classic 1989 Game Boy was the first console of its kind Credit: Alamy Three Nintendo consoles made it onto Hamleys' top 100 list, including the 1989 Game Boy. The first of its kind, the Game Boy line went on to become a cultural icon of the 1990s and 2000s. An original 1989 device is currently on sale for £75 on CeX's website. They have been known to sell for as much as £620 in the past though, while other retro computer games have gone for up to £1.5million. Barbie 6 Everyone will remember playing with Barbie dolls at one point during their childhood Credit: Alamy An undoubted staple in many children's lives growing up, the first Barbie doll launched in 1959. Since then, one billion of the dolls, made by Mattel, are thought to have been sold worldwide. So famous is the toy, a feature-length film was released in 2023 chronicling about the character. Shoppers can currently buy a Barbie Fashionista doll on The Entertainer's website for £7. Sell a vintage model and you could end up getting nearly £1,000 though, according to one expert. What else made the list? Other best-selling dolls made the list including Tiny Tears, Polly Pocket, My Little Pony and Bratz. Action figures such as Action Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Star Wars figurines also made the cut. Clackers from the 1960s featured - combining two balls attached to a piece of string that you can bang together to make a "clack" sound. Hamleys' top 100 list Lego Classic Bricks Monopoly Beanie Babies Polly Pocket My Little Pony UNO Rubik's Cube Tamagotchi Clackers Trivial Pursuit Slime Scooter Pogo Stick LUDO Subbuteo Transformers Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Operation Hungry Hippos Connect 4 Kaledeiscope Hatchimals Bratz Care Bearas Yo Yo Weebles Masters of the Universe Matchbox Cars Speak and Spell LeapPad Teletubby Doll Thunderbirds Tracy Island Power Rangers Pie Face Lite-Brite Nerf Blasters Sylvanian Families Battleships Nintendo Game Boy 1989 Stretch Armstrong Furby Hot Wheels Cars Troll Dols Play-Doh Pokemon Cards Slinky Cabbage Patch Kids Mr. Potato Head Tiny Tears Doll Mouse Trap Nintendo Wii View-Master Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot LOL Surprise Dolls Pogs Fingerlings Barbie Doll Simon LEGO Harry Potter Etch a Sketch Action Man Spirograph Glo Worm Nintendo Switch Hula Hoop Super Soaker Baby Alive Doll Tiddlywinks Fisher-Price Telephone Space Hoppers Plasticine Meccano Marbles Tammy Doll Skittles K'nex Walkie Talkies Boggle Rubik's Snake Playmobil Jenga Horny Trains Buckaroo Zapf Creation Dolls Top Trumps Scalextric Cluedo Spinning Tops Fuzzy Felt Space Invaders Hamley Bear Silly Putty Magic Markers Tonka Trucks Sindy Doll Wooden London Bus Rocking Horse Toy Soliders Snakes and Ladders Boglins Pokemon cards and Top Trumps were also selected by the buying team at Hamleys. Meanwhile, Playstation and the Xbox also made an appearance. Victoria, head buyer, said there were a multitude of reasons why toys are so successful among shoppers. "They can be educational, encourage role play, drive imagination or problem-solving, they can bring comfort or develop hand-eye coordination – there can be so many factors in creating immersiveness. 'You can never underestimate the power of togetherness created around some of the big-sellers – those toys that bring people of all ages together – get families around a table talking, playing, challenging, maybe even cheating. 'We also mustn't forget that simplicity is often key – the joy of cuddling a doll or storytelling with an action figure or a superfast Hot Wheel car. "Combined with a good dose of jeopardy and you have something truly memorable." Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Star
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
James Carter Cathcart, voice behind memorable Pokemon characters, dies at 71
James Carter Cathcart also voiced characters in Yu-Gi-Oh! and One Piece. Photo: Leesa Harrington-Squyres/Facebook James Carter Cathcart, an American voice actor who portrayed some of the most indelible characters in the Pokemon franchise and became a familiar presence in several other popular animated series, died on July 8. He was 71. His wife Martha Jacobi confirmed in a social media post that he died at Calvary Hospital in New York City. His former wife Jeanne Gari said in an interview that the cause of his death was throat cancer. For more than two decades, Cathcart was the voice of several popular characters in the Pokemon series and movies, including the genial Professor Oak, his grandson Gary, the antagonising James and the wisecracking feline creature Meowth, one of the few Pokemon who could speak. Cathcart joined the cast of Pokemon in 1998, just as the franchise exploded into a global craze. While many of the characters cycled in and out through the series' more than 1,000 episodes, his voice remained a steady presence. He also had roles in an array of other anime series, video games and animated shows, including Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece and Shadow The Hedgehog . He retired from voice acting in 2023 after he was diagnosed with cancer. He appeared in more than 100 roles, according to the entertainment database IMDb, but his work in Pokemon is his best known. The voice actors who also had roles in the Pokemon universe acknowledged his death on social media. Erica Schroeder, who played Nurse Joy and the creature Wobbuffet, said: 'The community will miss you. The world will miss you.' Cathcart was born on Jan 4, 1954, in West Long Branch, New Jersey, and graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. He is survived by Jacobi; his daughters Nicole Zoppi, 41, and Mackenzie, 30; and his son Carter, 31. Cathcart said in an interview in 2017 that he was grateful the Pokemon franchise had continued to thrive and that he wanted to keep voicing the characters for as long as he could. 'Who could imagine 20 years ago that we would still be doing the show and it would be doing so well, but there's a new generation of kids that loves the Pokemon?' he was quoted as saying. – ©2025 The New York Times Company
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prolific Pokémon Voice Actor, James Carter Cathcart Died at 71
A prolific Pokémon animated series voice actor responsible for many iconic characters, James Carter Cathcart, died at 71 this week. The news was announced by the late voice actor's wife, Martha Jacobi. She took to Facebook this week to announce James Carter Cathcart's passing at 71, and she writes 'For those of you who don't know me, I am James Carter Cathcart's wife. JCC died, peacefully, very early in the morning, on Tuesday, 7/8/25, at Calvary Hospital, in the Bronx,' adding 'Thanks to all of Jimmy's fans over the years! Giving you joy was why he worked so hard on his craft. Please know how much he appreciated you!' in the heartfelt post. For over 25 years, James Carter Cathcart was the voice of many childhoods, lending his talents to a slew of animated projects, including voicing many of the instantly recognizable characters in Pokémon. He was the voice behind Ash's rival, Gary Oak, Professor Oak, Team Rocket's James and Meowth, and he even filled in to voice smaller roles like Snubbull in the earlier film, Pokémon: Pikachu's Vacation. Aside from Pokémon, Cathcart was responsible for lending his talents to more dastardly roles, even voicing Weevil Underwood in Yu-Gi-Oh during that iconic scene where the character discards the five pieces of Exodia over a boat railing. James Carter Cathcart also donned the voice role of Sonic the Hedgehog character, Vector the Crocodile, on the weekend morning cartoon Sonic X in the early 2000's. James Carter Cathcart is survived by Ms. Jacobi; his daughters Nicole Zoppi, 41, and Mackenzie, 30; and his son, Carter, 31. In her announcement post, Martha Jacobi also details funeral arrangements for the late voice actor saying 'The funeral will be in early August, In New York. Memorial designations are still in process, pending conversations with one of the charities that was close to Jimmy's heart. I will post those here when they are in place.' The full Facebook post can be read here.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Pokémon 'Voice Actor James Carter Cathcart Dies at 71
James Carter Cathcart has died at the age of 71 The voice actor was best known for playing several recurring Pokémon characters, including Professor Oak, James and Meowth His ex-wife reportedly said Cathcart died after a throat cancer diagnosisThe Pokémon community is mourning the loss of one of its own. On Tuesday, July 8, James Carter Cathcart, the longtime voice actor for several beloved characters within the Pokémon world, died. His wife, Martha Jacobi, revealed the news two days later in a Facebook post shared in a fan club for Cathcart. He was 71. Per The New York Times, his ex-wife Jeanne Gari said that Cathcart died after a throat cancer diagnosis. He voiced many of the Pokémon universe's most popular and recurrent characters, including Professor Oak and his grandson Gary, as well as James and his Pokémon Meowth. Jacobi shared that her husband died "peacefully" in the early morning of July 8 in Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, and offered fans insight on where they can send condolences and donations in his honor. "The funeral will be in early August, in New York. Memorial designations are still in process, pending conversations with one of the charities that was close to Jimmy's heart. I will post those here when they are in place." "Thanks to all of Jimmy's fans over the years! Giving you joy was why he worked so hard on his craft," she continued. "Please know how much he appreciated you!" "Rest in peace dear sweet man. 💔 I will miss you. The community will miss you. The world will miss you," Schroeder wrote in a July 10 post. "One of the most joyful, exuberant, kind-hearted and talented souls no longer walks with us. James Carter Cathcart, you were one of a kind, a gentle, beautiful, playful genius and I was happy to call you my friend." Schroeder, who has voiced over 50 Pokémon characters, including Eevee, called Cathcart a "friend to many" and a "loving father and husband" as she concluded her post. "Master of the pen, piano and microphone," she wrote. "Thank you for your gifts. 💔💔💔💔💔." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Cathcart is survived by his wife and his three kids, Nicole, Mackenzie and Carter. Read the original article on People
