Eric Bauza, modern voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, dies aged 46

Eric Bauza, the voice actor behind Looney Tunes characters including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died aged 46.

His family announced his death in a statement posted on Instagram. It said he had died suddenly. "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," the statement read, as quoted by The Guardian.

The cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The Guardian and Euronews attribute this to the Los Angeles county medical examiner. BBC News attributes it to Variety. He died at home. BBC News also attributes this detail to Variety. According to Variety, as cited by BBC News, he died on Sunday. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not give a more precise date or time.

His career

Bauza was born in 1979 in Scarborough, Toronto, in Ontario. He worked for Warner Bros Animation for 15 years. His Looney Tunes roles also included Porky Pig and Road Runner. He won three Emmy awards for voice work. BBC News says these were won between 2022 and 2025. The Guardian says they were for Teen Titans Go!, Bugs Bunny Builders and Looney Tunes Cartoons. The Guardian also reports that he had more than 400 acting credits.

He voiced characters in the 2026 film Coyote vs. Acme. This year he also voiced characters in Rick and Morty, Minions & Monsters and Avatar: Seven Havens. According to BBC News, he played Toad General in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The Guardian reports that he was in pre-production for Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical and The Dragon Masters at the time of his death.

In a 2021 interview with NBC News, cited by BBC News, Bauza said: "Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures. It doesn't matter what part of the planet you're from. You get the comedy."

What is disputed

The outlets differ on where a tribute from Warner Bros was first given. BBC News and Euronews link it to The Hollywood Reporter. The Guardian says it was shared with Variety. The wording of the statement is consistent across the reports.

What each side says

Channing Dungey, chair of Warner Bros Television Group and US Networks, said: "Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," according to BBC News. She added that he "followed in the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc."

Film producer Christopher DeFaria, who worked with Bauza on Coyote vs. Acme, told Variety, according to The Guardian, that "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."

Analysis

Bauza's death leaves Warner Bros without the performer it described as carrying on Mel Blanc's legacy for several of its best-known characters. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not say what will happen to his unfinished work, including two projects The Guardian says were in pre-production. Studios in similar situations have options ranging from recasting roles to delaying or reworking projects, but no decision is described in the reports. The family's statement promised more details, which may clarify the circumstances and any memorial plans.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.