Eric Bauza, Voice Behind Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dies at 46
The Canadian-American actor passed away suddenly on Sunday from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
By Layla Richardson ·
Eric Bauza, the voice actor who brought Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig to life for modern audiences, has died. His family announced the news on Monday, confirming he was 46 years old. For fans who grew up watching these classic cartoons, his death marks the end of an era defined by his distinctive vocal performances.
Bauza died at his home on Sunday. The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office stated that he had been diagnosed with hypertensive cardiovascular disease. His family posted a brief statement on his official Instagram page, noting that he “passed away suddenly.” They did not provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Judy Coppage, Bauza’s manager, described him as a unique and versatile talent in an email to NBC News. She said his sudden passing was a shock to everyone who knew him. Coppage emphasized that he was deeply missed by his family, the animation industry, and his fans. She added that watching him succeed and excel was a rewarding and thrilling experience for those around him.
Bauza was a three-time Emmy Award winner, having won between 2022 and 2025 for his work in animation. His credits include voicing Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian, and Tweety. He was also the first person of color to voice Bugs Bunny in the “Looney Tunes” cartoons. In a 2021 interview, he noted that this role led to a wave of encouragement and adoration from the Asian American community.
The Canadian-American actor grew up as a massive fan of “Looney Tunes.” He explained that the cartoons were part of the bond between his Filipino immigrant father and grandfather. He said his obsessive attention to detail and persistence formed the foundation of his craft, as he spent his childhood mimicking cartoon voices. He also noted that “Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures.”
Beyond the classic Looney Tunes characters, Bauza voiced major roles in recent film releases. He appeared in the 2021 movie “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and the 2023 “Super Mario Bros. Movie.” His most recent work was in the 2026 film “Coyote vs. Acme.” His extensive career also included roles as Stimpy Cat in “Ren & Stimpy,” Foop from “The Fairly OddParents,” Fozzie Bear from “Muppet Babies,” and the Beagle Boys from “DuckTales.”
