Eric Bauza, voice actor for Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, dies aged 46

Eric Bauza’s sudden death

Canadian‑born Eric Bauza, the voice behind iconic Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and Road Runner, died on Sunday, 25 October 2026, at his home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner recorded hypertensive cardiovascular disease as the cause of death. Bauza was 46.

The news was first reported by CBS News, which cited his manager, Judy Coppage, as saying that Bauza’s passing was a shock to the industry and his family. The family later posted a brief statement on Instagram, noting that more details would come later.

Bauza’s death was also covered by BBC News, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Kotaku, all of which confirmed the same basic facts: sudden death, age 46, and the medical cause.

Background

Bauza began his career in the early 2000s, with his first credited role in the 2001 animated series *The Ripping Friends*. Over the next two decades he built a prolific résumé, amassing more than 400 acting credits on IMDb. He voiced characters in a wide range of shows, including *Avatar: The Last Airbender*, *Teen Titans Go!*, *Muppet Babies*, *Puss in Boots*, *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* and *Bob’s Burgers*.

His most celebrated work has been with Warner Bros. Animation. In 2011, Bauza initially entered the Looney Tunes universe by providing the voice for Marvin the Martian, before subsequently lending his vocal talents to characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Tweety Bird, and Road Runner. His recent film credits include the 2021 release of Space Jam: A New Legacy and the 2023 feature The Super Mario Bros. Additionally, he contributed to the sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. In 2024 he lent his voice to the animated feature *Coyote vs. Acme*, a project that had been shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery in 2023 before being released by Ketchup Entertainment.

Throughout his career Bauza received multiple accolades. Bauza secured Children's and Family Emmy Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2025, while also receiving five Daytime Emmy Award nominations over the period from 2016 to 2021.

Why it matters

Bauza’s work reached millions of viewers worldwide. His portrayals of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck were described by industry insiders as bringing joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. The loss of a voice actor who could inhabit such a wide range of characters is felt across the animation community, from producers to fellow voice artists.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report of hypertensive cardiovascular disease highlights the health risks that can affect even highly active performers. The industry has already begun to discuss the importance of health monitoring for voice talent.

What happens next

The family’s Instagram post indicated that further details would be released at a later date, but no official statement has yet been issued by Warner Bros. Animation or the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner beyond the cause of death. No post‑mortem or memorial service dates have been announced.

This news surfaced only a few days prior to Bauza's planned appearance at the Warner Bros. Pictures Animation event for The Cat in the Hat on Sunday afternoon, an occasion where he was anticipated to back the short film Daffy Season.

The industry has begun to pay tribute to Bauza. Warner Bros. Television Group chairman Channing Dungey released a statement praising his 15‑year tenure at the studio and his contributions to the Looney Tunes legacy.

The loss of Bauza is a reminder of the vital role voice actors play in bringing beloved characters to life and the need for continued support and recognition of their craft.