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Eric Bauza, Voice Behind Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Dies at 46

Emmy‑winning voice actor Eric Bauza, the voice behind Looney Tunes’ iconic characters, died suddenly at age 46.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read
Eric Bauza
Eric Bauza (AFP via Getty Images)

In brief

Eric Bauza, celebrated for voicing Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and other classic cartoon figures, passed away on Sunday at the age of 46. The Emmy‑winning performer, who also lent his talent to recent releases such as "Coyote vs. Acme" and "Space Jam: A New Legacy," was found dead at home from hypertensive cardiovascular disease. A statement from his family said he died suddenly, with colleagues later noting his legacy in continuing the legacy of legendary voice talent Mel Blanc. Bauza’s sudden loss leaves a void in both the voice‑acting world and the animated community that benefited from his energy and unique talent.

Eric Bauza, the voice behind Looney Tunes’ iconic characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig, died at the age of 46.

The actor’s family posted a short statement on Instagram, describing his passing as "sudden". Bauza was found dead at his home on Sunday after losing a fight with hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

The Emmy‑winning actor’s catalog spans film and television. Most recently, he voiced a lineup of Looney Tunes heroes in the animated hit Coyote vs. Acme and appeared in the film Forgotten Island.

In a 2021 interview with NBC News, Bauza, a native of Ontario of Filipino descent, recalled growing up as a huge fan of Looney Tunes, often copying the voices as a child. "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."

His work in 2021’s Space Jam: A New Legacy saw him reprising classic roles such as Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd and Foghorn Leghorn, as he later did in Coyote vs. Acme. He also voiced the Toad General in the 2023 film The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its successor, the fifth highest‑grossing international film of the year.

Between 2022 and 2025, Bauza collected three Emmy Awards for outstanding voice performance across a number of television series.

Silently, casting directors and industry friends mourned his loss. In a statement reported by the Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. Television Group chairman Channing Dungey described Bauza as a "unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world" and praised his dedication to following in the footsteps of the legendary Mel Blanc.

His sudden departure marks the end of a remarkable career that brought laughter to audiences worldwide, leaving a memorable legacy in the realm of voice acting.

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