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Emmy-award winning voice actor Eric Bauza, best known as the modern voice of iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died aged 46.
The voice actor’s death was announced by his family, who shared a statement to the actor’s Instagram account. The cause of death, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, was released by the Los Angeles county medical examiner.
“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. More details to come,” his family wrote.
Born in Scarborough, Toronto, in 1979, Bauza worked for Warner Bros Animation for 15 years, succeeding the legendary Mel Blanc as the voice behind some of the studio’s best-known cartoon characters.
In addition to Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, his roles included Porky Pig, Road Runner, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian, and countless other classic characters.
He also had roles in The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and his film credits included Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) and The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023). This year, he voiced characters in Rick and Morty, Minions & Monsters, Avatar: Seven Havens, and appeared in Coyote vs Acme.
Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros Television Group and US Networks, paid tribute to Bauza, saying in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: “Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. He followed in the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc. Eric said that carrying on the legendary legacy of the Looney Tunes was among the greatest honours of his life.”
She added: “In addition to his incredible talent, Eric was a treasured part of our animation family. Our hearts go out to his loved ones.”