The voice behind iconic Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck has died aged just 46, after battling hypertensive cardiovascular disease
Eric Bauza at the premiere of Forgotten Island in September 2026(Image: FilmMagic)
Eric Bauza, the voice actor behind iconic Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny, has died. The Emmy-winning actor was only 46 when he died at home from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
Bauza’s death was announced by his family on Instagram. They wrote over a black background: “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.”
Over the past 15 years, Bauza amassed more than 400 credits with Warner Bros Animation, including as Looney Tunes characters, Scooby-Doo villains and Luke Skywalker in Lego Star Wars. His final film roles are as Button Wutton and Sarangay in upcoming DreamWorks film Forgotten Island.
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Speaking about the actor’s death, Warner Bros Television Group and US Networks chair Channing Dungey released a statement: “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 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.”
Born in Toronto in 1979, Bauza grew up on Looney Tunes, telling NBC News in 2021 that his father and grandfather were both huge fans on the show, which they watched in little batches before films played at the cinema in the Philippines. “Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures,” the actor explained. “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.”
When Bauza took on the role of Bugs Bunny in Looney Tunes Cartoons in 2020, he became the first person of colour to do so. Getting the role came as a surprise to the actor, who was only initially hired to trade lines with LeBron James in Space Jam: A New Legacy, meaning his voice wasn’t intended to appear in the final cut of the film.
Bauza described preparing for the role as “like going to the gym”. He religiously watched old episodes of the show and old Looney Tunes films, studying them for at least an hour a day.
This year, he voiced characters in Rick and Morty, Coyote vs Acme and Minions & Monsters. At the time of his death, he was in pre-production for Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical.
Film producer Christopher DeFaria, who worked with Bauza on Coyote vs. Acme, paid tribute to the actor through Variety. “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,” said DeFaria. “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.”
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