Pokémon voice actor retiring from the show after 25 years due to cancer diagnosis
James Carter Cathcart, a long-time voice actor for the Pokémon anime series, has announced his retirement after 25 years due to throat cancer.
Cathcart has voiced multiple Pokémon characters since the very first episode back in 1998, including Professor Oak and his grandson Gary, as well as Team Rocket's James and Meowth.
In January, Cathcart's wife Martha wrote a blog post on CaringBridge, where she reported that her husband had developed a tumour on his tongue which then spread his neck.
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Martha announced his retirement in another blog post on Monday (April 17), writing that Cathcart's cancer was not responding to any treatments and that he will now undergo a more aggressive form of chemotherapy.
On his retirement, Martha continued: "Jimmy has decided to retire from script adapting and voice dubbing for Pokémon USA, effective at the conclusion of season 25.
"He has been with the series since the 1st episode, so it is a timely decision as the series transitions to new characters and storylines."
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Martha added: "I have decided to resign from my position as Associate Dean for the Brainspotting Concentration in Behavioural Health at International University for Graduate Studies... in order to be able to give better support to Jimmy through this season of life.
"I'll be continuing my psychotherapy practice and other consulting and teaching responsibilities as we venture further on this journey together. We remain eternally grateful for your love, thoughts, comments, 'hearts', prayers, and well-wishes."
In addition to Pokémon, Cathcart has voiced characters in other anime and video games, including Weevil Underwood in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Sir Gallant in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, Vector the Crocodile in Shadow the Hedgehog, and Roger Bacon in Shadow Hearts.
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from MacMillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.
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