Voice Actor Behind Bugs Bunny Dies Suddenly

The voice that gave Bugs Bunny his iconic cadence is gone.

Eric Bauza died Sunday at his home at the age of 46. His family announced the loss on Instagram, describing the death as sudden. Variety reported that hypertensive cardiovascular disease was the cause.

Bauza was a familiar presence in the Looney Tunes franchise for years. He voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Road Runner in the summer release Coyote vs. Acme. That film followed his work in 2021's Space Jam: A New Legacy, where he also played Elmer Fudd and Foghorn Leghorn. He appeared in the recent film Forgotten Island as well.

Born in Ontario to a family of Filipino descent, Bauza grew up imitating the cartoon characters he loved. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he described the appeal of the animation. "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."

His work extended beyond the Warner Bros. studio. He voiced Toad General in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. That sequel is the fifth highest-grossing film internationally this year.

Bauza won three Emmy awards for outstanding voice performance between 2022 and 2025. These honors recognized his work across several television series.

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, issued a tribute. "Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," she 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."