Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor behind iconic Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died at the age of 46. He passed away at home from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
His family announced his death on Instagram, writing over a black background: "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."
Career and final roles
Over the past 15 years, Bauza amassed more than 400 credits with Warner Bros Animation, including Looney Tunes characters, Scooby-Doo villains and Luke Skywalker in Lego Star Wars. His final film roles are as Button Wutton and Sarangay in the upcoming DreamWorks film Forgotten Island.
This year, he voiced characters in Rick and Morty, Coyote vs Acme and Minions & Monsters. At the time of his death, he was in pre-production for Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical.
Tributes from colleagues
Warner Bros Television Group and US Networks chair Channing Dungey released a statement: "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. In addition to his incredible talent, Eric was a treasured part of our animation family. Our hearts go out to his loved ones."
Film producer Christopher DeFaria, who worked with Bauza on Coyote vs. Acme, paid tribute through Variety: "He's a voiceover artist for animated characters that have historic precedents and roles, and somehow out of that, he carved out a place in this business. And this past year, he had such an incredible impact, both on our movie, of course, but also on bringing attention to this amazing art form."
Legacy and personal history
Born in Toronto in 1979, Bauza grew up on Looney Tunes, telling NBC News in 2021 that his father and grandfather were both huge fans of the show, which they watched in little batches before films played at the cinema in the Philippines. "Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures," he explained. "There are some cartoons that don't even have English-speaking parts in it. There are some Looney Tunes cartoons that are pantomimes. It doesn't matter what part of the planet you're from. You get the comedy."
When Bauza took on the role of Bugs Bunny in Looney Tunes Cartoons in 2020, he became the first person of colour to do so. He described preparing for the role as "like going to the gym", studying old episodes and films for at least an hour a day. He also voiced Wile E. Coyote in Coyote vs Acme.
