Remembering the Voices of Pokémon: All 6 Actors We’ve Lost (Japanese and English)

The Pokémon series has been a beloved part of many childhoods, with its colorful characters and thrilling adventures capturing hearts worldwide. Behind the iconic voices of trainers, villains, and Pokémon are talented actors who brought these stories to life in both Japanese and English dubs.

Sadly, we’ve lost several of these gifted performers over the years. This article honors their contributions, celebrating the legacy they left in the Pokémon universe and beyond.

Maddie Blaustein

Maddie Blaustein, who passed away on December 11, 2008, at age 48, was a key voice in the English dub of ‘Pokémon’ (1998-2006). She brought the mischievous Meowth, Team Rocket’s talking Pokémon, to life with wit and charm, along with characters like Lt. Surge and A.J.

Blaustein’s work extended beyond Pokémon, including roles in ‘Sonic X’ (2003-2006) and ‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ (2000-2006). Her distinctive voice and comedic timing made her a standout, leaving a lasting mark on the anime community despite her early passing due to a sudden illness.

Keiji Fujiwara

Keiji Fujiwara, who died on April 12, 2020, at 55, was a versatile Japanese voice actor known for his work in ‘Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire’ (2002-2006) as Team Magma Leader Maxie and Looker in ‘Pokémon Generations’ (2016). His deep voice added gravitas to these roles.

Fujiwara’s career also included voicing Mewtwo in ‘Super Smash Bros.’ (2014-2018) and roles in ‘Crayon Shin-chan’ (1992-2020) and ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ (2003-2004). His battle with cancer cut his career short, but his performances remain cherished by anime fans.

Kumiko Okae

Kumiko Okae passed away on April 23, 2020, at 63, after contracting pneumonia caused by COVID-19. In the Pokémon world, she voiced Officer Jenny in the film ‘Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew’ (2005), bringing warmth to the character.

Okae was a well-known actress and presenter in Japan, appearing in ‘The Cat Returns’ (2002) and hosting ‘Hanamaru Market’ (1996-2014). Her kind and engaging presence made her a beloved figure, and her loss was deeply felt across the entertainment industry.

Unshō Ishizuka

Unshō Ishizuka, who left us on August 13, 2018, at 67, was a cornerstone of the Japanese ‘Pokémon’ series (1997-2018). His deep voice gave life to Professor Oak and the narrator, guiding viewers through countless episodes and films like ‘Pokémon: The First Movie’ (1998).

Ishizuka also voiced Pokémon like Onix and Steelix, and worked on ‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998) and ‘Dragon Ball Z’ (2010-2018). Despite his death from esophageal cancer, his recordings continued in ‘Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us’ (2018), cementing his enduring legacy.

Rachael Lillis

Rachael Lillis, who passed on August 10, 2024, at 55, was a beloved voice in the English dub of ‘Pokémon’ (1997-2006). She voiced Misty, the spirited gym leader, and Jessie, the cunning Team Rocket member, along with Pokémon like Jigglypuff and Vulpix.

Trained in opera, Lillis also lent her voice to ‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011-2014) and ‘Winx Club’ (2004-2011). Her battle with breast cancer ended too soon, but her vibrant performances continue to resonate with fans of the Pokémon series.

James Carter Cathcart

James Carter Cathcart, who died on July 8, 2025, at 71, was a veteran of the English ‘Pokémon’ dub (1998-2023). He voiced Gary Oak, James, Meowth, and Professor Oak after the 2006 recast, bringing humor and depth to these roles.

A musician and actor, Cathcart also worked on ‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ (2000-2006) and ‘Sonic X’ (2003-2006). His fight with throat cancer led to his retirement in 2023, but his joyful energy and talent left an unforgettable mark on the Pokémon community.

Which Pokémon voice actor’s performance touched you the most, or is there another we should remember? Share your thoughts in the comments!