Any Pokémon fan can recall the voice of Team Rocket’s sidekick Meowth, but fewer might know about the trans actor behind the beloved character.
Meowth is one of the few Pokémon throughout the show’s decades-long history to ever speak, and the cat-like creature remains a distinguished feature in the series.
Pokémon has captured the imaginations and hearts of millions of fans worldwide. And it’s thanks to Maddie Blaustein that anyone who grew up watching the English dubbed show in the late 90s and early 00s can now hear Meowth’s nasally voice in the recesses of their memory.
Blaustein took over the role of Meowth from Nathan Price and remained as the voice of the iconic character from 1997 to 2005. Her work as the wise-cracking mascot of Team Rocket was featured both on the beloved TV show and in several Pokémon movies.