Emmy-winning voice actor Eric Bauza, best known for bringing beloved “Looney Tunes” characters including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck to life, has died at the age of 46.
The Canadian-American entertainer died Sunday, October 25, at his residence in Los Angeles County, according to the county medical examiner’s office.
His death was attributed to hypertensive cardiovascular disease and was ruled natural.
Bauza’s family confirmed his passing in a statement published on his official Instagram account Sunday night, announcing that he had “passed away suddenly.”
The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes for the performer, whose work introduced some of animation’s most recognizable characters to younger audiences.
In addition to Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Bauza provided voices for Porky Pig, Tweety, Elmer Fudd and Marvin the Martian.
His ability to portray multiple characters within the same franchise helped establish him as one of the animation industry’s most accomplished voice actors.
The family remembered him as the “modern voice of iconic ‘Looney Tunes’ characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with dozens of other beloved cartoon characters.”
Bauza received three Children’s and Family Emmy Awards in 2022, 2023 and 2025, recognition that reflected his contributions to the entertainment industry.
His manager, Judy Coppage, confirmed the loss in an emotional statement to NBC News.
“Eric was a unique and versatile voice actor who was loved by everyone he knew and worked with,” Coppage said.
“His sudden passing is a shock to all of us, and he will be deeply missed. It’s a profound loss for his family, the animation industry and his fans.”
Coppage also reflected on Bauza’s rise to prominence after years of developing his voice-acting abilities.
“The pleasure of watching him succeed and excel to become one of the most accomplished voices in animation was rewarding and thrilling,” she added.
For Bauza, portraying the legendary Warner Bros. characters was the fulfillment of a childhood ambition.
He grew up watching “Looney Tunes” and spent years studying the distinctive voices and mannerisms of the characters.
His attachment to the franchise extended beyond entertainment.
Bauza previously discussed how the cartoons helped connect his Filipino immigrant father and grandfather, making the animated series an important part of his family’s experience.
The actor eventually transformed that childhood fascination into a professional career spanning more than two decades.
During a 2021 interview with NBC News, Bauza described the enduring appeal of the franchise and its ability to reach audiences across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
“Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter what part of the planet you’re from. You get the comedy.”
Bauza’s career also extended well beyond the characters that made him widely recognized.
He contributed voice performances to the 2021 film “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” the 2023 animated blockbuster “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and the 2026 release “Coyote vs. Acme.”
His television credits included “The Fairly OddParents,” “Muppet Babies,” “DuckTales” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
Across hundreds of acting credits, Bauza became known for his vocal versatility and ability to transition between characters with markedly different personalities, per Trending Politics.
His work helped maintain the presence of classic animated figures whose origins stretch back more than eight decades.
Bauza’s death comes after years of professional success and recognition within the animation industry.
The medical examiner’s findings identified hypertensive cardiovascular disease as the cause of death, with no indication in the reported findings of foul play.
His sudden passing leaves behind a body of work spanning film, television and multiple generations of animated entertainment.
For audiences familiar with his performances, Bauza’s voice will remain associated with some of the most enduring characters in animation history.
