Eric Bauza, Voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dies at 46
Emmy Award-winning voice actor Eric Bauza, famous for voicing Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died at 46 from cardiovascular illness. Tributes pour in for the beloved talent.
Eric Bauza, the Emmy Award-winning voice actor renowned for breathing life into iconic animated figures like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in the Looney Tunes series, has passed away at the age of 46. According to statements shared by his family on his official Instagram account and reports from Variety, the cause of death was cardiovascular disease stemming from hypertension. Throughout his prolific career, Bauza amassed over 400 acting and voice credits, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after and versatile voice talents in the entertainment industry.
Born in December 1979 in Scarborough, Toronto, Bauza initially broke into the animation industry as a character designer at a Hollywood production studio. He later contributed to the animation departments of several notable television productions, including Slacker Cats, Good Vibe, and El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera. His journey within the Looney Tunes universe began when he voiced characters such as Martian Marvin before ultimately stepping into the legendary roles of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. Alongside the iconic duo, he also voiced Tweety, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Porky Pig, and the Road Runner, while making memorable contributions to Space Jam: A New Legacy, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Ben 10: Omniverse.
Bauza earned widespread critical acclaim and industry recognition throughout his career, receiving five Daytime Emmy nominations and capturing three Children's and Family Emmy Awards for his remarkable work on Teen Titans Go!, Bugs Bunny Builders, and Looney Tunes Cartoons.
Tributes poured in from industry leaders and collaborators following the news of his passing. Chris deFaria, producer of the film Coyote vs. Acme in which Bauza starred, paid tribute to his legacy: "Eric embodied everything we wanted that movie to be, including its central theme that even a small person can make a difference in the world," he said, praising Bauza's relentless dedication, enthusiasm, and profound love for animation.
Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group, also shared a heartfelt remembrance: "Eric Bauza was an extraordinary voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the globe. He followed in the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc. Eric said that continuing the legendary Looney Tunes legacy was one of the greatest privileges of his life. Alongside his immense talent, Eric was a cherished member of our animation family."
