Eric Bauza, the voice behind Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died at 46

Eric Bauza, the voice actor who brought Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck to life for a new generation, has died at the age of 46. His family confirmed his sudden death in a statement shared on Instagram.

“Eric Bauza, Emmy Award-winning voice actor and the modern voice of iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with dozens of other beloved cartoon characters, has passed away suddenly. More details to come,” the statement read. As detailed by UNILAD, Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records show that Bauza died at his home on Sunday, October 25.

The cause of death was listed as hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Bauza had more than 400 acting credits to his name, voicing Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, and many other characters, and he won an Emmy Award in 2023.

Colleagues remembered his dedication to the Looney Tunes legacy

Chris DeFaria, who produced the Looney Tunes film Coyote vs. Acme and worked with Bauza earlier this year, told Variety that Bauza will be remembered for his “absolutely tireless dedication.” He added that Bauza “embodied everything we wanted from this film, including the major theme of the movie that a little guy can make a difference in this world.”

DeFaria also noted that Bauza carved out a unique place in the business by voicing animated characters with long histories. “And this past year, he had such an incredible impact, both on our movie, of course, but also on bringing attention to this amazing art form,” he said.

Channing Dungey, Chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, said Bauza felt that carrying on the legacy of the Looney Tunes was “among the greatest honors of his life.” She added, “In addition to his incredible talent, Eric was a treasured part of our animation family. Our hearts go out to his loved ones.”

Bauza grew up in Scarborough, a suburb of Toronto, in a Filipino-Canadian family. His parents immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in the late 1960s, and his father and grandfather helped spark his love of classic cartoons, particularly Looney Tunes. After studying radio, television, and film production at Centennial College in Toronto, he began building his career behind the scenes.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypertensive cardiovascular disease refers to heart and blood vessel problems caused by long-term high blood pressure. When blood pressure stays too high, the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body, and over time, the extra strain can damage blood vessels and change the structure and function of the heart.

Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, and swelling in the legs or ankles. However, some people may experience no symptoms until the condition becomes more advanced.