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Eric Bauza, actor who voiced Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other cartoon characters, dies at 46
Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor who brought beloved Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and many others to life, has died at the age of 46. His family announced his sudden passing on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in a statement shared on his social media account.
Bauza’s manager, Judy Coppage, described him as a unique and versatile performer whose loss would be deeply felt by his family, colleagues and fans. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the animation community, where Bauza was widely recognized for carrying forward the legacy of some of television’s most iconic cartoon characters.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Bauza died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease. His death was classified as natural.
The Voice Behind Beloved Cartoon Characters
Bauza became one of the defining voices of modern Looney Tunes, taking on characters originally made famous by legendary voice actor Mel Blanc. His performances included Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Road Runner and Marvin the Martian.
His ability to recreate the distinctive personalities and comedic timing of these classic characters helped introduce generations of viewers to the franchise while preserving its familiar sound.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Bauza accumulated more than 400 acting credits across television and film. His work extended beyond Looney Tunes to projects involving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Fairly OddParents, Muppet Babies, Rick and Morty and The Adventures of Puss in Boots.
He also voiced characters in major animated films, including Space Jam: A New Legacy and Coyote vs. Acme.
An Award-Winning Career in Animation
Bauza earned three Children’s and Family Emmy Awards between 2022 and 2025 for his work in animation. His performances demonstrated the range required to portray multiple characters while maintaining the distinctive voices that audiences recognize instantly.
Warner Bros. executives paid tribute to Bauza, highlighting the joy he brought to audiences worldwide and his contributions to the studio’s animation legacy. He worked with Warner Bros. Animation for approximately 15 years.
For Bauza, voicing Looney Tunes characters was more than a professional achievement. He had grown up watching the cartoons and imitating their voices, making his eventual role in the franchise a meaningful milestone in his career.
Tributes From the Animation Community
Following the announcement of his death, fellow performers and industry colleagues remembered Bauza for his talent, kindness and generosity.
His work helped preserve the spirit of characters that have entertained audiences for generations. By building on the performances of earlier voice actors while bringing his own skills to each role, Bauza became an important part of the continuing history of animated entertainment.
His passing represents a significant loss for the voice-acting industry, particularly for the teams responsible for keeping classic animated characters relevant to modern audiences.
A Lasting Legacy
Bauza’s career demonstrated the impact a voice actor can have without appearing on screen. Through his performances, he helped give familiar characters new life and ensured their personalities continued to connect with audiences.
Although his death came unexpectedly, his extensive body of work will remain part of the entertainment enjoyed by families and animation fans around the world.
For viewers who grew up with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang, Bauza’s performances will remain a lasting part of their memories. His contribution to animation will continue to be heard long after his final recording.
Source: CBS LA
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