Emmy-winning voice actor Eric Bauza has died at 46, his family confirmed.
Bauza, the modern voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 25, at his Los Angeles County home, according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records. The cause was hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a condition where long-term high blood pressure damages the heart and blood vessels.
His family announced the death in a statement posted to Instagram.
“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,” the family wrote.
The Canadian-born performer had amassed more than 400 acting credits across a career that made him one of the most sought-after voiceover artists in animation. He stepped into roles originated by Mel Blanc and other legends, bringing his own energy to characters that have entertained audiences for generations.
Chris DeFaria, producer of the Looney Tunes film “Coyote vs. Acme,” worked with Bauza earlier this year and spoke about the actor’s commitment to his craft.
“He embodied everything we wanted from this film, including the major theme of the movie that a little guy can make a difference in this world,” DeFaria said.
“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,” the producer continued. “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.”
DeFaria noted that Bauza would be remembered for his “absolutely tireless dedication.”
Hypertensive cardiovascular disease develops when sustained high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder pumping blood throughout the body. Over time, this strain can alter the heart’s structure and function while damaging blood vessels. The Cleveland Clinic lists possible symptoms as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, and swelling in the legs or ankles, though some individuals may show no symptoms until the condition advances.
Bauza’s death marks a significant loss for the animation community, where he had become the go-to performer for some of entertainment’s most recognizable figures. Beyond the Looney Tunes stable, his vocal work extended to numerous other beloved properties, establishing him as a bridge between animation’s golden age and its contemporary forms.
The actor’s recent work on “Coyote vs. Acme” represented a high-profile return for the classic Warner Bros. Characters, a project that had faced its own turbulent path to audiences. Bauza’s involvement underscored the industry’s confidence in his ability to honor these legacy roles while making them resonate with viewers today.
No memorial plans have been publicly announced.