Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor who became the modern voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died aged 46. His family announced the death on social media, while the Los Angeles County medical examiner listed hypertensive cardiovascular disease as the cause.
Bauza’s career connected generations of animation fans with some of the most recognisable characters in television and film. Over 15 years working with Warner Bros. Animation, he voiced a wide range of Looney Tunes figures while also building an extensive portfolio across animated series and major films.
A distinctive voice in modern animation
Born in Scarborough, Toronto, in 1979, Bauza followed the legacy of legendary voice performer Mel Blanc, who established many of the original Looney Tunes voices. Bauza brought his own interpretation to characters including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, helping keep the classic figures relevant for contemporary audiences.
His Looney Tunes credits extended well beyond the two best-known characters. He also voiced Porky Pig, the Road Runner, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn and Marvin the Martian, among others.
The breadth of those roles reflected the demands of voice acting, where performers may move between several characters in a single production. Bauza’s work combined vocal range, comic timing and a close understanding of the style associated with Warner Bros. cartoons.
Career across television and film
Although Looney Tunes remained central to his public profile, Bauza worked across a broad section of the animation industry. His television credits included The Adventures of Puss in Boots and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
He also appeared in major film productions, including Space Jam: A New Legacy in 2021 and The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023. In 2026, his credits included work connected with Rick and Morty, Minions & Monsters, Avatar: Seven Havens and Coyote vs Acme.
That range made Bauza a familiar presence to audiences who may not always have known his name. His performances were often heard through animated characters rather than seen on screen, placing him among the specialist performers whose work shapes the identity of popular franchises.
Family confirms death
Bauza’s family shared the news through a statement posted to his Instagram account. The family described him as an Emmy award-winning voice actor and highlighted his work as the modern voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
The medical examiner in Los Angeles County identified hypertensive cardiovascular disease as the cause of death. The announcement came as colleagues and fans remembered an actor whose work reached audiences internationally.
Warner Bros. tribute
Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, paid tribute to Bauza in a statement reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Dungey described him as a distinctive voice performer who brought happiness and laughter to millions. She also noted that Bauza had followed performers such as Mel Blanc and regarded continuing the Looney Tunes tradition as one of the great honours of his career.
Her statement also remembered Bauza as a valued member of the Warner Bros. animation community and expressed sympathy for his family and loved ones.
Remembering Eric Bauza’s legacy
Bauza’s significance lies not only in the number of characters he voiced, but in the continuity he provided between classic animation and modern productions. Taking on established roles requires respect for their history while giving each performance enough energy and personality to connect with new viewers.
His work as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other Looney Tunes characters placed him within a tradition that has influenced animation for decades. His additional television and film credits showed an ability to move comfortably between established franchises and newer productions.
For many viewers, Bauza’s voice will remain associated with the quick wit of Bugs Bunny, the comic impatience of Daffy Duck and the broader world of Warner Bros. animation. His death marks the loss of a performer whose work helped carry those characters into a new era.
Conclusion
Eric Bauza, the modern voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died at 46 from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner. His performances across Looney Tunes, television and film leave a lasting contribution to international animation, while tributes from his family and Warner Bros. underline the importance of his career.