Eric Bauza, Voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dies Suddenly at 46
Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor who brought Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other beloved Looney Tunes characters to life for a new generation, has died at the age of 46.
His family announced his death in a statement shared on his Instagram account, saying he had “passed away suddenly.” Bauza died at his home in Los Angeles County on Sunday, October 25. apnews.com
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that the cause was hypertensive cardiovascular disease and classified his death as natural, according to NBC Los Angeles. NBC Los Angeles
A Voice Behind Beloved Characters
Bauza became one of the most recognizable voices in modern animation, taking on characters whose adventures have entertained families for generations.
Along with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, he voiced Porky Pig, Tweety Bird, Marvin the Martian and other familiar Looney Tunes figures. His performances carried forward a tradition associated with legendary voice actor Mel Blanc, who originated many of the characters’ voices. NBC Los Angeles
For Bauza, the work was personal. He grew up watching Looney Tunes on Saturday mornings and later described the cartoons as an important influence on him as an artist. apnews.com
An Award-Winning Career
Born in Toronto, Bauza built a career that extended well beyond the world of Bugs Bunny and his friends. He accumulated more than 400 voice-acting credits, with work on productions including Puss in Boots, Muppet Babies and Avatar: The Last Airbender, according to The Associated Press. torontotoday.ca
His talent earned him three Children’s and Family Emmy Awards and the admiration of colleagues across the animation industry.
His manager, Judy Coppage, remembered him as a versatile performer who was loved by those who knew and worked with him. CBS Los Angeles
Bauza’s death leaves a loss for fans who knew his work, even if they did not always know the man behind the microphone. Through his performances, he helped familiar characters continue to make audiences laugh—and introduced them to a new generation of viewers.
