Craig Blair

Description
Craig Blair is an American voice actor recognized for his work in the English-language dub of the Pokémon anime series during the late 2000s. He became part of the voice cast during a significant transition period for the franchise, when production of the English adaptation moved from 4Kids Entertainment to The Pokémon Company International (then known as Pokémon USA).

Blair's career in Pokémon began with this new production era, and he provided voices for several recurring and notable characters. He is known for taking over the role of the aspiring Pokémon watcher Tracey Sketchit, a character previously voiced by Ted Lewis. Another significant role was that of Giovanni, the leader of the villainous Team Rocket, a part he voiced in episodes such as Two Degrees of Separation! and Malice in Wonderland!. Blair was also a regular voice for the two Pokémon Contest judges, Mr. Raoul Contesta and Mr. Sukizo, during the Diamond and Pearl series of the anime. His other credits in the series include the recurring character Roark, the Oreburgh Gym Leader, as well as various minor characters and additional voices.

Beyond the main anime series, Blair voiced the character of Pikachu in the 2006 television special Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate!. His work also extended into video games; he provided the voice for the Pokémon Ivysaur in the popular crossover fighting game Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Blair's tenure with the Pokémon franchise concluded around the end of the series' twelfth season, Pokémon Diamond & Pearl: Galactic Battles. Following his departure, his recurring roles were subsequently voiced by other actors, with Mike Pollock and James Carter Cathcart taking over as Mr. Contesta and Mr. Sukizo, respectively, while Ted Lewis returned to the role of Giovanni.