Eric Bauza, Voice of “Looney Tunes’” Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dies Suddenly at 46
Eric Bauza, the Emmy Award-winning voice actor known for Looney Tunes‘ characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died at the age of 46
Bauza began as a character designer before racking up more than 400 acting credits across film and television
He recently voiced several characters in Coyote vs vs. Acme and had another Looney Tunes film in pre-production
Eric Bauza, the Emmy Award-winning voice actor known for Looney Tunes‘ characters Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety and Porky Pig, has died. He was 46.
Bauza’s family announced his death with a short statement shared on his Instagram account on Sunday, Oct. 25.
“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,” the statement read, adding, “More details to confirm.”
According to a report released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Bauza died at his residence on Sunday from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
Eric Bauza at the premiere of ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ at Directors Village in Los Angeles on August 26, 2026Credit: VALERIE MACON / AFP via Getty
The voice actor’s death came a day after he posted a photo on Instagram of himself with animator and director David Silverman at the LightBox Expo in Pasadena. He also shared footage taken inside New York City’s Spring Street subway to celebrate 30 years since the release of the movie Space Jam.
Bauza voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd and Foghorn Leghorn in 2021’s Space Jam: A New Legacy. He reprised the roles and that of Road Runner earlier this year in Coyote vs. Acme.
Eric Bauza at the 2026 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on March 02, 2026; ‘Looney Tunes’ Bugs Bunny and Daffy DuckCredit: Arturo Holmes/Getty; Warner Bros.
Chris DeFaria, who produced the 2026 movie, told Variety he would remember Bauza as someone with an “absolutely tireless dedication” to the animation art form.
“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 the outlet, referring to Coyote vs. Acme. “He’s a voiceover artist for animated characters that have historic precedents and roles, and somehow out of that, he carved out a place in this business.
“And this past year, he had such an incredible impact, both on our movie, of course, but also on bringing attention to this amazing art form,” the producer added.
Born in Toronto on Dec. 7, 1979, Bauza began his career as a character designer at production studios in Hollywood, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he recalled being a fan of Looney Tunes throughout childhood and copying characters’ voices.
“Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures,” Bauza, who was of Filipino descent, told the outlet. “There are some cartoons that don’t even have English-speaking parts in it. There are some Looney Tunes cartoons that are pantomimes.
“It doesn’t matter what part of the planet you’re from. You get the comedy,” he added.
Eric Bauza at the gala world premiere of ‘Buddy’ The Sing-Along Version at Alex Theatre on September 29, 2026Credit: Eric Charbonneau/Roadside Attractions via Getty
Bauza racked up over 400 acting credits, including voicing Toad General in 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its sequel The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. This year, he appeared in the animated film Forgotten Island, Rick and Morty, as well as Minions & Monsters.
Bauza was in pre-production to voice Daffy Duck in the upcoming movie Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical at the time of his death, according to IMDb.
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“Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. During his 15 years at Warner Bros. Animation,” Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and U.S. Networks, told THR.
“He was the voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck among countless other characters. He followed in the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc,” she continued. “Eric said that carrying on the legendary legacy of the Looney Tunes was among the greatest honors of his life.
“In addition to his incredible talent, Eric was a treasured part of our animation family. Our hearts go out to his loved ones,” Dungey added, per THR.
According to IMDb, Bauza is survived by his one child.
Source: Entertainment
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