Emmy Award-winning Filipino-Canadian voice actor Eric Bauza, best known for bringing iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tweety Bird to life, has died at 46.
Bauza died on Sunday, Oct. 25, at his home in Los Angeles County. His family confirmed his passing through an announcement posted on his official Instagram account.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Bauza died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a condition associated with prolonged high blood pressure. His death was classified as natural.
Born on Dec. 7, 1979, in Scarborough, Toronto, Bauza was of Filipino descent and built a career spanning more than two decades in the animation industry.
He became one of the most recognizable modern voices behind Looney Tunes, portraying not only Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tweety Bird but also Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian and Road Runner.
His work extended beyond the franchise, with more than 400 acting credits across television and film. His projects included The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Teen Titans Go!, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Space Jam: A New Legacy and Coyote vs. Acme.
Bauza received three Children’s and Family Emmy Awards for his contributions to Teen Titans Go!, Bugs Bunny Builders and Looney Tunes Cartoons.
He often credited legendary voice actor Mel Blanc, the original performer behind many Looney Tunes characters, as a major inspiration for his career.
His sudden passing prompted tributes from fellow performers and colleagues in the animation industry.
American voice actor Josh Keaton, best known for voicing Spider-Man in the animated series The Spectacular Spider-Man, remembered Bauza for his talent, humility and kindness toward colleagues.
“He had the warmest smile and was always sincere,” Keaton wrote in an online tribute.
Keaton said Bauza made others feel appreciated despite his remarkable achievements, describing him as a legend whose kindness matched his talent.
Warner Bros. Television Group Chairman Channing Dungey also paid tribute to Bauza, recognizing his contributions to the franchise and the joy his performances brought to millions of viewers worldwide.
At the time of his death, Bauza was attached to upcoming productions, including Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical and The Dragon Masters.
His passing marks the loss of a Filipino-Canadian talent whose performances helped carry some of animation’s most beloved characters to new generations of audiences.
