Eric Bauza, Looney Tunes Voice Actor, Dies at 46

Eric Bauza, the voice actor responsible for Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, has died at age 46. A family statement shared on Instagram confirmed the news, describing his passing as sudden.

Variety reported that the cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Bauza died at his home on Sunday. His recent work includes voicing characters in the animated film Coyote vs. Acme, which opened this summer, and the recent release Forgotten Island.

Bauza, born in Ontario and of Filipino descent, began imitating the Looney Tunes characters as a child. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he noted that the franchise appeals to global audiences. "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."

He reprised his roles from the 2021 film Space Jam: A New Legacy in Coyote vs. Acme, adding the character of Road Runner to his cast. He also voiced the Toad General in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The latter film ranks as the fifth highest-grossing movie internationally this year.

Between 2022 and 2025, Bauza received three Emmy awards for outstanding voice performance in television series. Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, commented on the loss. "Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," Dungey said. "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."

The family statement appeared on Instagram. Bauza’s death marks a loss for the animation industry, where he held key roles in major studio franchises.