NEWS
Eric Bauza, Award-Winning Voice Behind Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dies at 46
Eric Bauza, the celebrated voice actor who brought some of the most beloved characters in animation history to life, has died at the age of 46, leaving fans of the iconic Looney Tunes franchise mourning the loss of a remarkable talent.
Bauza, whose distinctive voice helped preserve the legacy of legendary cartoon characters for a new generation, reportedly died suddenly at his home on Sunday. His family announced his death in a statement shared on Instagram.
According to Variety, hypertensive cardiovascular disease was reported as the cause of his death.
The Canadian-born entertainer was widely recognised for voicing several iconic Looney Tunes characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn and Road Runner. Through his performances, Bauza continued a legendary tradition established by the late Mel Blanc, the original voice behind many of the franchise’s most enduring characters.
His ability to recreate the distinctive personalities, comic timing and vocal mannerisms of these animated favourites made him an important figure in the world of voice acting.
Beyond television animation, Bauza built an impressive film career, contributing his vocal talents to several major productions. He featured in the 2021 animated sports comedy Space Jam: A New Legacy, which brought together the Looney Tunes characters and basketball superstar LeBron James.
He also voiced characters in Coyote vs. Acme, further cementing his association with the animated universe that helped define his career.
Bauza’s other notable credits included portraying Toad General in the 2023 blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He was also associated with its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, as well as the recent animated release Forgotten Island.
His exceptional contributions to animation earned him three Emmy Awards for outstanding voice performance between 2022 and 2025, highlighting his versatility and enduring influence in the entertainment industry.
Born in Canada to a family of Filipino descent, Bauza developed a passion for animation and character voices at an early age. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he recalled growing up in Ontario as a devoted Looney Tunes fan.
His childhood fascination with the franchise eventually developed into a professional career, as he began imitating the voices of his favourite cartoon characters while still young.
What started as a childhood hobby ultimately became the foundation of a career that allowed him to inhabit the voices of some of animation’s most recognisable personalities.
Bauza also appreciated the universal appeal of the Looney Tunes franchise, which has entertained audiences across generations, cultures and languages. The timeless humour of the characters helped make his work relatable to viewers around the world, regardless of their backgrounds.
His death has prompted tributes from within the entertainment industry, with Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks chairman Channing Dungey praising his remarkable contribution to animation and the laughter he brought to audiences worldwide.
Dungey noted that Bauza considered the opportunity to continue the Looney Tunes legacy one of the greatest honours of his life, underscoring his deep personal connection to the characters he portrayed.
For millions of viewers who grew up watching the mischievous antics of Bugs Bunny, the explosive temper of Daffy Duck and the distinctive personalities of other Looney Tunes favourites, Bauza’s performances became part of a cherished entertainment tradition.
Although his life has been cut short at 46, his voice work across television and film leaves behind a lasting legacy. Through the animated characters he helped bring to life, Bauza will continue to entertain audiences and remain part of the history of a franchise that has delighted generations of cartoon lovers.