Pokémon voice actor Billy Kametz has died at 35

Billy Kametz, the voice of Josuke Higashikata in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Naofumi Iwatani in The Rising of the Shield Hero, Galo Thymos in Promare, and other anime characters, went away at the age of 35 after a battle with stage IV colon cancer. Kametz informed followers of his serious diagnosis earlier this spring, and he detailed how he was starting treatment and progressing through the chemotherapy procedure. Unfortunately, an update on Kametz' GoFundMe page has revealed the worst, with Jinnie A. McManus, the page's administrator, revealing that Kametz passed away earlier this week.

"This isn't the update I wanted to write. Billy left us earlier this week. I ask that you forgive the slightly delayed update as we worked to notify loved ones first," the update began. "I am going to close this GFM formally on Tuesday, June 14, to allow for final thoughts and donations. Anything contributed that wasn't already used for Billy's treatments will go toward his celebration of life and funeral. The family would equally love contributions to the Colon Cancer Coalition in Billy's honor if you prefer that."

"Most importantly, I hope you know how appreciated you all were and how much strength you provided. Billy and I would regularly share thoughts of disbelief and joy at the outpouring of generosity you all gave him," the statement reads. "Know that he left this world peacefully, knowing how loved he is and always will be. I miss my friend terribly. But it comforts me that his legacy will continue with his work and all of the fans who are even now discovering what an extraordinary man he was." 

Billy P. Kametz, 35, of Middletown, entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at M.S. Hershey Medical Center," according to his obituary, which may be found here. He was born in Lancaster on March 22, 1987, to William and Cheryl (Sartori) Kametz. Billy is one of the most sincere, humble, and loving people anyone has ever met, according to anyone who has met him. His contagious smile and effervescent attitude always filled a room with excitement and happiness. Billy always made a good impression on the people he interacted with.

His love for his family, friends, and fiancée has always been paramount to him, and it will continue to be so in the future. Billy was a voice actor who played Josuke Higashikata, Naofumi Iwatani, Galo Thymos, and Ferdinand von Aegir, among others. Billy had always wanted to be an actor since he was a child. He started his start with Disney as part of the entertainment team on the Disney cruise line and then traveled to California when the role of Aladdin in Disneyland's Musical Spectacular was offered to him.

His passion for acting and incomparable voice will continue to delight fans and be remembered for a long time. Billy was always gracious to all of his admirers, and he was grateful for the opportunity to do what he loved every day.