Eric Bauza, Bugs Bunny Voice, Dies at 46
The three-time Emmy winner died suddenly at home on Sunday, leaving behind a career that spanned decades of animation.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
Eric Bauza, the voice artist behind Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, died at age 46. His family posted a statement on Instagram confirming he died suddenly. Variety reported that the cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Bauza was found dead at his home on Sunday.
The actor had a prolific recent career in animation. He voiced multiple characters in the summer hit Coyote vs. Acme and appeared in the recent release Forgotten Island. He reprised his roles as Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Foghorn Leghorn in that film after performing them in 2021's Space Jam: A New Legacy. He also voiced the Road Runner in Coyote vs. Acme.
Bauza expanded his portfolio beyond Looney Tunes. He played Toad General in 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The sequel became the fifth highest-grossing film internationally this year. Between 2022 and 2025, he won three Emmy awards for outstanding voice performance in television series.
Born in Ontario to a family of Filipino descent, Bauza described his childhood fascination with the cartoons. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he said he used to copy the voices as a child. He noted that the characters transcended language barriers. "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."
Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, released a statement honoring his work. She described Bauza as a unique voice talent who brought joy to millions. Dungey added that he followed the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc. She noted that Bauza considered carrying on the legacy of Looney Tunes one of the greatest honors of his life.
