Eric Bauza Dies at 46 After Voicing Looney Tunes Icons

The entertainment industry has lost one of its prominent animation voice performers with the death of Eric Bauza, the actor behind iconic Looney Tunes characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig. Bauza was 46, and his family announced that he had died suddenly in a statement posted on Instagram.

Variety reported that Bauza died at home on Sunday and that the cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease. The actor had continued working on major animated productions, including Coyote vs. Acme and Forgotten Island, which was among his recent releases.

Born in Ontario and of Filipino descent, Bauza developed an early passion for Looney Tunes characters. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he recalled growing up as a devoted fan and imitating the characters' distinctive voices as a child.

"Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures," Bauza said in the interview with NBC News.

He explained the broad appeal of the animated franchise through its ability to connect with audiences regardless of their backgrounds.

"It doesn't matter what part of the planet you're from. You get the comedy," Bauza said.

Bauza's work extended across television and film, with performances that helped sustain the legacy of characters familiar to generations of viewers. In Space Jam: A New Legacy, released in 2021, he voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd and Foghorn Leghorn.

He later reprised those roles and voiced Road Runner in Coyote vs. Acme. Bauza also played Toad General in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, released in 2023, and its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which ranked as the fifth highest-grossing film internationally that year.

His television performances also earned industry recognition. Between 2022 and 2025, Bauza won three Emmy Awards for outstanding voice performance across several television series.

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, paid tribute to Bauza in a statement reported by The Hollywood Reporter, highlighting his contribution to audiences worldwide.

"Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," Dungey said.

Dungey also recognized Bauza's role in continuing the tradition established by earlier Looney Tunes performers, including Mel Blanc, whose work helped define the franchise's most recognizable voices.

"He followed in the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc. Eric said that carrying on the legendary legacy of the Looney Tunes was among the greatest honors of his life," Dungey said.