Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning actor who voiced iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, died on Sunday, according to his manager. He was 46.
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"Eric was a unique and versatile voice actor who was loved by everyone he knew and worked with," said Judy Coppage, Bauza's manager. "His sudden passing is a shock to all of us. He will be deeply missed. It's a profound loss for his family, the animation industry and his fans."
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the Canadian actor died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
His family released a statement on his Instagram page, adding that more details would come.
Bauza was scheduled to attend the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation's The Cat in the Hat on Sunday afternoon to support Daffy Season, a short that plays before the film, according to press documents.
Hollywood Remembers Beloved Looney Tunes Voice Actor
Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and U.S. Networks, paid tribute to Bauza in a statement.
"Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. During his 15 years at Warner Bros. Animation," she said. "He was the voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck among countless other characters. 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. In addition to his incredible talent, Eric was a treasured part of our animation family. Our hearts go out to his loved ones."
Bauza had more than 400 acting credits listed on his IMDb page. Bauza voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd and Foghorn Leghorn in 2021's Space Jam: A New Legacy. He reprised the roles and that of Road Runner earlier this year in Coyote vs. Acme.
Chris DeFaria, who produced the 2026 movie, told Variety he would remember Bauza as someone with an "absolutely tireless dedication" to the animation art form.
Bauza began his career in animation as a character designer working with a few production studios in Hollywood, according to his bio on SBV Talent.
He received Daytime Emmy, Children's & Family Emmy and Annie Award nominations for his work as the title character in The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Fozzie in Muppet Babies and Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in Looney Tunes Cartoons.
