Did You Know? Meowth’s Iconic Voice in Pokémon Was Inspired by Jerry Lewis

Summary

• Matthew Sussman created Meowth’s voice inspired by old gangster characters and Jerry Lewis.
• Sussman’s audition for various roles in Pokemon led to him developing Meowth’s unique personality.
• Despite a short-lived role, Sussman’s iconic voice for Meowth will remain memorable in Pokemon history.

Meowth is one of Pokémon’s most iconic characters. As part of Team Rocket, the “chatty catty”—a nickname shared by voice actor Matthew Sussman—was the first Pokémon to speak in a human voice, making him instantly memorable.

At the recent London Card Show, we had the opportunity to sit down with Sussman, who shared insights into how he developed Meowth’s distinctive voice. Drawing inspiration from classic old-school gangster characters and the comedic style of Jerry Lewis, he crafted a performance that remains legendary in the Pokémon universe.

The Story Of How Meowth’s Voice Was Created

When auditioning for the original Pokémon anime, Sussman read for nearly every male character, using a binder of character images to develop unique voices and personalities for each role. One character in particular caught his attention—a small cat who was part of a harmless antagonist group. The character believed himself to be tough but was actually more obnoxious in an endearing, almost charming way.

To bring this character to life, Sussman experimented with different vocal inspirations. “I thought, ‘Okay, he sees himself as tough, so maybe he sounds like an old-school gangster from classic films,’” he recalls. “But at the same time, he’s also a bit of a nerd and easily bullied.” To strike the right balance, he blended elements of classic gangster voices with the comedic, childlike tones of Jerry Lewis. Using the script lines as a guide, he refined the voice until it felt just right.

Okay, he thinks he’s tough, so he might be like one of these old gangster characters from the old movies.

After rehearsing his lines in the hallway, Sussman entered the reading room and told the producer, “I’m going to try something a little crazy. If you hate it, just let me know, and I’ll change it.” His bold approach paid off, as he successfully landed the role.

Interestingly, Meowth isn’t the only character influenced by Lewis’ voice and mannerisms—Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker and The Simpsons’ Professor Frink also draw inspiration from the comedian.

Although Sussman’s time in the Pokémon anime was brief, he left a lasting impression before departing for an unmissable stage opportunity in Chicago. Despite his short tenure, his iconic voice remains unforgettable.