🎙️ Who He Was
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Born March 8, 1954 in New Jersey, Cathcart began his career as a musician with The Laughing Dogs before transitioning to voice acting in the early 1980s.
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Under names like Jimmy Zoppi, Billy Beach, and Carter Cathcart, he voiced Planet of hits:
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Gary Oak (since 1998),
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Professor Oak,
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Team Rocket's James and Meowth (since 2006) .
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He was also the script adaptor and editor for Pokémon’s English dub from Season 5 through Season 25.
🩺 Cancer Battle & Retirement
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In early 2023, Cathcart was diagnosed with advanced throat (tongue) cancer and retired during Season 25 of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys following aggressive treatment.
🕊️ Passing & Legacy
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He passed away on July 8, 2025, at age 71, in hospice care in Forest Hills, NY. His passing was confirmed by fellow voice actor Erica Schroeder and family.
Erica shared on Instagram:
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“one of the most joyful, exuberant, kind‑hearted and talented souls … a playful genius, master of the pen, piano and microphone.”
📺 Beyond Pokémon
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His deep, memorable voice also brought to life Vector the Crocodile in Sonic X and the Shadow the Hedgehog video game.
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He enriched hundreds of anime and game titles, both as a voice actor and script adaptor/director .