Los Angeles: Eric Bauza, the Emmy Award-winning voice actor best known for voicing Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in modern Looney Tunes productions, died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. He was 46.

Bauza died at his residence in Los Angeles County on Sunday, October 25. The medical examiner classified the manner of death as natural.

His family announced his death in a statement shared on his Instagram account, describing his passing as sudden.

“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,” the statement read. “More details to come.”

What Is hypertensive cardiovascular disease?

Hypertensive cardiovascular disease refers to damage to the heart and blood vessels caused by high blood pressure, particularly when it remains uncontrolled over a long period.

When blood pressure stays high, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body. Over time, this strain can cause the heart muscle to thicken, a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy. The heart may also become less able to relax and fill with blood properly or pump blood efficiently.

Long-term high blood pressure can also damage and thicken blood vessel walls. When combined with the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries, this can increase the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure often causes no noticeable symptoms, which means damage can develop before a person realises there is a problem. When hypertensive heart disease progresses, possible symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness and fainting. Swelling in the legs can occur when the condition leads to heart failure.

Other potential complications include abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The condition can also be associated with damage to other organs, including the kidneys and eyes.

Treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure and reducing strain on the heart. Depending on the individual's condition, this may involve prescribed medication, regular monitoring, physical activity, reducing salt intake, avoiding tobacco and managing related conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

The medical examiner identified hypertensive cardiovascular disease as Bauza’s cause of death. However, the publicly reported information does not establish his personal medical history or whether he experienced any symptoms before his death.
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Who was Eric Bauza?

Born on December 7, 1979, in Scarborough, Toronto, Bauza built a career spanning more than two decades in animation. He had more than 400 acting credits and became one of the prominent voices carrying forward the legacy of classic Looney Tunes characters.

Before moving into voice acting, Bauza began his career in animation as a character designer. His first credited acting role came in the Canadian animated series The Ripping Friends in 2001.

He went on to voice characters across television, films and animated series, working with major studios and becoming known for his versatility.

Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck And Looney Tunes legacy

Bauza was widely recognised as the modern voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, two of Warner Bros.' most recognisable animated characters. He also voiced other Looney Tunes favourites, including Tweety, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian and Road Runner.

His work helped introduce the long-running characters to newer audiences while preserving the distinctive personalities associated with the franchise.

Bauza's credits also included Space Jam: A New Legacy, along with animated productions such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, Chowder, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Ben 10: Omniverse and Rick and Morty.

Emmy awards and projects before his death

Bauza received five Daytime Emmy nominations during his career and won three Children's and Family Emmy Awards for his work on Teen Titans Go!, Bugs Bunny Builders and Looney Tunes Cartoons.

At the time of his death, he was preparing for upcoming projects, including Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical, in which he was set to voice Daffy Duck, and The Dragon Masters, in which he was cast as the Shogun King.
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Tributes From Colleagues

Bauza's death prompted tributes from colleagues in the animation industry, who remembered his talent and contribution to the medium.

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, said Bauza brought joy and laughter to millions and helped carry forward the legacy of Looney Tunes during his 15 years with Warner Bros. Animation.

She also described him as a valued member of the animation community and extended her condolences to his loved ones.

Chris DeFaria, producer of Coyote vs. Acme, praised Bauza's dedication to animation and his ability to establish his own place among performers who had voiced the franchise's iconic characters.

Bauza is survived by his wife, Jessica, whom he married in 2016, and their son.