Los Angeles voice actor Eric Bauza, the voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, dies at 46

Emmy-winning voice actor Eric Bauza died suddenly at his home in Los Angeles on October 25, aged 46. His family announced the death in a statement on his Instagram account, describing him as "the modern voice of iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with dozens of other beloved cartoon characters," and saying more details would follow. Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records list the cause of death as hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

From Scarborough to the voice of Looney Tunes

Bauza was born on December 7, 1979 in Scarborough, Ontario, to a Filipino-Canadian family, and graduated from Centennial College in 2000 after studying radio, television and film. He began in animation and character design before moving to full-time voice work, and was reported as the first person of colour to voice Bugs Bunny. He spent 15 years at Warner Bros. Animation, accumulating more than 400 acting credits, with roles including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn and Road Runner.

Big-screen roles and three Emmy Awards

His film work included Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) and Coyote vs. Acme (2026), plus the role of Toad General in The Super Mario Bros. Movie; on television he worked on Looney Tunes Cartoons, Bugs Bunny Builders, Teen Titans Go! and Muppet Babies. Between 2022 and 2025 he won three Children's & Family Emmy Awards for voice performance across those series. Reports say he was in pre-production on Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical at the time of his death.

Tributes pour in

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, said Bauza "brought joy and laughter to millions around the world" and counted carrying on the Looney Tunes legacy among the greatest honours of his life. Coyote vs. Acme producer Chris DeFaria praised his "absolutely tireless dedication" to the art form.