Eric Bauza, Voice Actor for Looney Tunes Icons, Dies at 46

Eric Bauza, the voice actor behind Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, has died.

His family announced his passing on Instagram, stating that the 46-year-old performer died suddenly. Variety reported that the cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease and that he died at his home on Sunday.

Bauza’s most recent work includes voicing multiple characters in the summer animated film Coyote vs. Acme. He also appeared in the recent release Forgotten Island. His Looney Tunes roles gained widespread attention during the 2021 release of Space Jam: A New Legacy, where he voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Foghorn Leghorn. He reprised those roles, along with Road Runner, in Coyote vs. Acme.

Beyond the Looney Tunes universe, Bauza provided the voice for Toad General in 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He returned to the role in its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which is currently the fifth highest-grossing film internationally this year.

The actor was recognized for his work with three Emmy awards for outstanding voice performance between 2022 and 2025. Born in Ontario to a family of Filipino descent, Bauza grew up imitating cartoon voices. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he described the appeal of the cartoons, saying, "Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures. It doesn't matter what part of the planet you're from. You get the comedy."

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, issued a tribute to Bauza. She stated, "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."