Eric Bauza, iconic voice behind Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, dies at 46

Eric Bauza, the Emmy Award-winning voice actor who brought beloved animated characters including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck to life in modern ‘Looney Tunes’ productions, has died at the age of 46. His family confirmed his sudden death in a statement shared on his official Instagram account. The cause of death has not been disclosed. 

The news has left the animation industry mourning the loss of an artist whose voice became familiar to generations of viewers. Throughout his career, Bauza worked on several popular animated films and television series, earning recognition for his ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Announcing his death, his family wrote, "From the Family of Eric Bauza 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."

Following the announcement, tributes poured in from fans and members of the animation community, who remembered Bauza for his talent, warmth and contributions to the industry.

From animation intern to the voice of iconic characters

Born on December 7, 1979, in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada, Bauza developed an interest in cartoons at an early age. His father and grandfather were admirers of classic animated shows, including ‘Looney Tunes’, which would eventually become an important part of his professional journey.

Bauza had also spoken about how the Canadian children's programme ‘Mr Dressup’ inspired his creativity. As a child, he would sketch the show's host while watching it on television.

Before establishing himself as a voice actor, Bauza began working behind the scenes in animation. During his third year of college, he joined the animation studio Spumco as an intern. He later worked as a production assistant on the Fox Kids animated series ‘The Ripping Friends’, where he received his first opportunity to lend his voice to a character.

His breakthrough came with ‘Ren & Stimpy Adult Party Cartoon’, in which he took over the role of Stimpy from Billy West. The project helped establish him as a voice actor and opened the door to several major animated productions.

Eric Bauza's journey with 'Looney Tunes' and other animated shows

Bauza became widely recognised for voicing Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in contemporary ‘Looney Tunes’ projects. Over the years, he also lent his voice to characters such as Marvin the Martian, Tweety, Porky Pig and Foghorn Leghorn across the franchise's various productions.

His association with the ‘Looney Tunes’ universe extended to films, including ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ in 2021.

Beyond the franchise, Bauza built an extensive career in television animation. His credits included ‘El Tigre’, ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’, ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’, ‘DuckTales’, ‘Muppet Babies’ and ‘Teen Titans Go!’.

He also voiced Puss in Boots in Netflix's animated series ‘The Adventures of Puss in Boots’, Fozzie Bear in ‘Muppet Babies’ and Lord Stingray in ‘Superjail!’. His other projects included ‘Ben 10: Omniverse’, alongside voice work connected to Disney, Marvel and DC productions.

Emmy Awards and career achievements

Bauza's contributions to animation earned him several nominations and awards over the years.

He received five Daytime Emmy nominations for his work on productions including ‘Looney Tunes Cartoons’, ‘Muppet Babies’ and ‘The Adventures of Puss in Boots’.

He was also nominated four times for the Children's and Family Emmy Awards, including a 2026 nomination for ‘Daffy in Wackyland’.

Among his major achievements were three Emmy wins in 2022, 2023 and 2025 for his work on ‘Looney Tunes Cartoons’, ‘Bugs Bunny Builders’ and ‘Teen Titans Go!’, respectively. He also received three Annie Award nominations during his career.

Eric Bauza's final projects

Bauza remained professionally active in the period leading up to his death. His recent credits included ‘Forgotten Island’, the independent horror film ‘Buddy’ and ‘Coyote vs. Acme’.

In ‘Coyote vs. Acme’, he returned to the ‘Looney Tunes’ universe, reportedly voicing several characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Foghorn Leghorn. His involvement covered numerous male characters from the franchise, with Tasmanian Devil among the exceptions.

The 2026 film reportedly earned more than $126 million at the worldwide box office.

Away from his professional life, Bauza was married to Jessica, whom he wed in 2016. The couple had a son.