Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning renowned voice actor who gave life to legendary cartoon characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, died suddenly at his home at the age of 46 from cardiovascular disease caused by high blood pressure.
Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor behind many famous cartoon characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig from the Looney Tunes series, has died at the age of 46.
Bauza's family announced the news via his Instagram account, stating that he died suddenly and that further details would be shared later. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County coroner reported the cause of death as cardiovascular disease resulting from high blood pressure. It was reported that he died at home on Sunday, 25 Oct 2020 GMT+7.
Bauza was born in 1979 in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada, of Filipino descent. He grew up loving Looney Tunes characters and, in a 2021 interview, said he often imitated voices of his favorite characters as a child. He added that the charm of Looney Tunes appeals across languages and cultures, as audiences worldwide understand the humor of these characters.
Throughout his career, Bauza worked with Warner Bros. Animation for about 15 years, contributing to over 400 productions. He voiced many characters in the Looney Tunes universe, including Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Road Runner, and Tweety.
In the 2021 film Space Jam: A New Legacy, he voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Foghorn Leghorn. He returned to voice some characters, including Road Runner, in the upcoming film Coyote vs. Acme, scheduled for release this year. He also appeared in the recently released animated film Forgotten Island.
Additionally, Bauza voiced the character General Toad in The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023 and reprised the role in the sequel The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, one of this year's highest-grossing international films. His other 2023 work included the series Rick and Morty and Superkitties, as well as the films Minions & Monsters and Avatar: Seven Havens. Before his death, he was preparing work for Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical and The Dragon Masters.
Between 2022 and 2025, Bauza won three Emmy Awards for his voice acting in television shows including Teen Titans Go!, Bugs Bunny Builders, and Looney Tunes Cartoons.
Channing Dungey, president of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, said in a statement that Bauza was a uniquely talented voice actor who brought joy and laughter to millions worldwide. He followed in the footsteps of legendary voice actor Mel Blanc, who created the iconic voices of many Looney Tunes characters.
Dungey also said that Bauza considered carrying on the great Looney Tunes legacy one of the highest honors of his life. Beyond his voice talent, Bauza was a beloved member of the company's animation family. She expressed condolences to his family and close friends.
Christopher DeFaria, a film producer, screenwriter, and former voice actor who worked with Bauza on Coyote vs. Acme, said Bauza will be remembered for his significant influence and contributions to the industry. He was able to create his own space and identity despite taking on voices of characters with long, iconic histories recognized worldwide.
DeFaria added that over the past year, Bauza played an important role not only in their joint film projects but also in helping to raise awareness and appreciation for the art of voice acting and animation.