Eric Bauza, the Emmy Award-winning voice actor behind Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and numerous other beloved cartoon characters, has died at 46.
According to Variety, Bauza died Sunday at his home from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, citing Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records.
Eric Bauza hosting the 3rd Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards – The Emmy Awards, YouTube
READ: AI Movie ‘Gods Don’t Give Gifts’ Heads to AFM Ahead of December Theatrical Release
His passing leaves a considerable void in animation, where his versatility helped carry some of the medium’s most recognizable characters into a new generation.
Family Announces Bauza’s Sudden Passing
Bauza’s family announced his death in a statement shared to his Instagram account on Sunday.
“Eric Bauza, Emmy Award-winning voice actor and the modern voice of iconic ‘Looney Tunes’ characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with dozens of other beloved cartoon characters, has passed away suddenly,” they wrote. “More details to come.”
View this post on Instagram
Born December 7, 1979, in Scarborough, Toronto, Bauza began his animation career as a character designer before establishing himself as a prolific voice performer.
His acting credits stretched back to The Ripping Friends in 2001 and eventually numbered more than 400. Across film and television, his work included Avatar: The Last Airbender, Chowder, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Ben 10 Omniverse, and The Adventures of Puss in Boots.
That range extended well beyond the characters most closely associated with his name, making Bauza a familiar presence even to viewers who never saw his face.
Carrying the Looney Tunes Legacy
Bauza became especially recognizable for his work preserving the voices and personalities of Warner Bros.’ classic cartoon ensemble.
Alongside Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, his repertoire included Tweety, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Porky Pig, and Road Runner. His performances appeared across projects including Looney Tunes Cartoons, Space Jam: A New Legacy, and The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie.
Scene from Coyote vs. ACME – Ketchup Entertainment, YouTube
READ: Disney Cruise Line Prices Now Show Per Person Instead of Cabin Totals
He also voiced multiple characters in this year’s Coyote vs. Acme, which finally reached theaters after its much-publicized shelving. The film’s eventual release gave audiences another opportunity to hear his interpretations of the classic characters.
A review of Coyote vs. Acme praised its humor and heart, highlighting Bugs Bunny’s brief appearance among its standout moments.
Bauza’s performances earned substantial industry recognition. He won three Children’s & Family Emmy Awards for Looney Tunes Cartoons, Bugs Bunny Builders, and Teen Titans Go!, alongside five Daytime Emmy nominations across several productions.
Colleagues Remember His Dedication
Coyote vs. Acme producer Chris DeFaria remembered Bauza’s enthusiasm for animation and the personal commitment he brought to the film.
“He embodied everything we wanted from this film, including the major theme of the movie that a little guy can make a difference in this world,” DeFaria told Variety.
DeFaria also credited Bauza with drawing attention to animation itself, describing a performer whose affection for the medium extended beyond his recording sessions.
Eric Bauza – Warner Bros. TV, YouTube
READ: Lea Michele Is Returning as Rachel Berry in the Glee Reboot
Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks Chairman Channing Dungey likewise paid tribute to his talent and place within the studio’s animation community.
“He followed in the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc,” Dungey said. “Eric said that carrying on the legendary legacy of the ‘Looney Tunes’ was among the greatest honors of his life.”
Bauza’s work required more than reproducing familiar sounds. He brought the timing, personality, and energy that allowed decades-old characters to keep entertaining audiences. Through those performances, his voice will remain part of childhood memories and countless hours of laughter for years to come.
UP NEXT: Skydance Offers Employee Buyouts Ahead of Layoffs as Warner Bros. Merger Restructuring Begins
