Eric Bauza, Voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dies at 46

Eric Bauza Dies at 46

Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor renowned for bringing iconic Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig to life, died at his home on Sunday at the age of 46, according to Variety.

Family Statement and Medical Details

A statement posted on Instagram by the family of the Emmy-winning star confirmed that he had passed away suddenly. Variety reported that the cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Judy Coppage, Bauza’s manager, told CBS News that his sudden passing is a shock and a profound loss for his family, the animation industry, and his fans.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner also confirmed the cause of death, as reported by CBS News. In addition, Bauza’s family shared a brief note on his Instagram page stating that further details would be released at a later date, according to CBS News.

Legacy in Animation and Major Film Roles

Born in Ontario and of Filipino descent, Bauza grew up a huge fan of Looney Tunes, often mimicking the voices during his childhood. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he reflected on the universal appeal of the classic cartoons, stating that the comedy transcends all languages and cultures. Over his career, Bauza amassed more than 400 acting credits on IMDb. He voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Foghorn Leghorn in the 2021 feature Space Jam: A New Legacy alongside LeBron James, and reprised those roles alongside the Road Runner in this summer’s animated film Coyote vs. Acme, as reported by CBS News.

Beyond the Looney Tunes franchise, Bauza voiced Toad General in 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the fifth highest-grossing film internationally this year, according to source material. His extensive voice work also spans television series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, Puss in Boots, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Woody Woodpecker, Bob’s Burgers, and Teen Titans Go!, as noted by CBS News.

Industry Tributes and Award Recognition

Industry leaders and colleagues paid tribute to Bauza’s versatile talent and dedication to his craft. Channing Dungey, the chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, praised his contributions in a statement reported by the Hollywood Reporter, noting that Bauza brought joy and laughter to millions around the world while following in the footsteps of animation giants like Mel Blanc. Dungey added that Bauza frequently described carrying on the legendary Looney Tunes legacy as one of the greatest honors of his life.

Bauza’s work earned widespread critical recognition, including Children’s and Family Emmy Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2025, alongside a nomination in 2026 and five Daytime Emmy nominations between 2016 and 2021, according to CBS News. Discussing his career during an appearance on CBS LA in August, Bauza emphasized his reverence for original voice artist Mel Blanc. He called Blanc the blueprint of the characters, noting that the animated figures represent enduring personalities familiar to audiences for 90 years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eric Bauza’s Career

Which Looney Tunes characters did Eric Bauza voice?

Bauza voiced a wide range of iconic animated characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Pepé Le Pew, Marvin the Martian, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Tweety Bird, and the Road Runner, as detailed by CBS News.

What awards did Eric Bauza win for his voice acting?

He won three Emmy awards for outstanding voice performance in a number of TV series between 2022 and 2025, according to source material.

What were some of Bauza’s final or recent film projects?

He provided voice work for the animated film Coyote vs. Acme, appeared in the recent release Forgotten Island, and voiced characters in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, as reported by source material.

More on this story: Eric Bauza, Emmy Award-Winning Looney Tunes Voice Actor, Dies at 46 – Variety