Eric Bauza, Voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dies at 46

Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor known as the modern voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other Looney Tunes characters, has died at 46, with SAG-AFTRA joining Warner Bros. and his representatives in mourning one of contemporary animation’s most recognizable performers.

Bauza’s family announced his death Sunday via his Instagram account, according to NBC Los Angeles. NBC Los Angeles and Variety, citing Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records, reported that Bauza died Sunday at a home in Los Angeles County. They said the cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease and the manner of death was natural.

In a statement reported by NBC Los Angeles from Bauza’s Instagram, his family said: “Eric Bauza, Emmy Award-winning voice actor and the modern voice of iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with dozens of other beloved cartoon characters, has passed away suddenly. More details to come.”

Bauza was widely known in the animation industry and to generations of viewers as one of the key contemporary performers entrusted with Warner Bros.’ classic Looney Tunes voices, carrying forward a tradition closely associated with Mel Blanc. Along with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, he voiced characters including Tweety, Porky Pig, Marvin the Martian, Elmer Fudd and Road Runner.

His work stretched across television, film and video games, with reports citing more than 400 acting credits. He also received formal recognition for his performances, winning Children’s & Family Emmy Awards including a 2022 honor for “Looney Tunes Cartoons” and a 2023 win for “Bugs Bunny Builders.”

SAG-AFTRA, the performers union, posted a public remembrance Monday on Bluesky: “SAG-AFTRA remembers Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor behind Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety and Porky Pig. Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. #SagAftraMember”

Judy Coppage, Bauza’s manager, told NBC Los Angeles: “His sudden passing is a shock to all of us, and he will be deeply missed. It’s a profound loss for his family, the animation industry and his fans.”

Warner Bros. Television Group and U.S. Networks Chair Channing Dungey also paid tribute, saying in a statement quoted by Variety: “Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. … 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.”

Born Dec. 7, 1979, in Scarborough, Ontario, Bauza built a career that made his voice familiar even when his name was less so. Recent reported screen work included “Coyote vs. Acme” in 2026 and “Space Jam: A New Legacy” in 2021.