Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor known for playing Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died aged 46. He died on Sunday from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
His manager, Judy Coppage, said Bauza’s death had come as a shock to his family, colleagues and fans.
“Eric was a unique and versatile voice actor who was loved by everyone he knew and worked with,” she 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.”
Bauza’s family shared a brief statement on his Instagram page, saying that more details would follow.
Born in Canada, Bauza had more than 400 acting credits. Alongside Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, he voiced a host of other Looney Tunes characters, including Porky Pig, Pepé Le Pew, Marvin the Martian, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Tweety Bird and Road Runner.
He also appeared in the most recent Space Jam film alongside LeBron James, and worked on Avatar: The Last Airbender, Puss in Boots, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Woody Woodpecker, Bob’s Burgers and Teen Titans Go!
Warner Bros executives paid tribute to Bauza’s 15 years with the company and his contribution to the Looney Tunes franchise.
“Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world,” said Warner Bros chairman Channing Dungey and Warner Bros Pictures Animation president and chief creative officer Bill Damaschke. “During his 15 years at Warner Bros. Animation, he was the voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck among countless other characters. He followed in the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc.”
They added: “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.”
Bauza won Children’s and Family Emmy Awards in 2022, 2023 and 2025, and was nominated in 2026. He also received five Daytime Emmy nominations between 2016 and 2021.
Speaking to CBS LA in August about his latest film and the newest Looney Tunes instalment, Coyote vs. Acme, Bauza said his work was rooted in the performances of Mel Blanc, the original voice of the characters.
“All of my work is based off of the original voiceover artist, the great Mel Blanc; he was the original. I like to call him the blueprint of these characters,” he said.
“They’re not just voices; these are personalities that we’ve been familiar with now for 90 years — it’s like your oldest family members. So, that’s my history with them.”
Bauza said Bugs Bunny was his favourite character to voice, although he felt increasingly like Daffy Duck as he grew older.
