Eric Bauza, Voice of Bugs Bunny, Dies at 46 From Heart Disease

Eric Bauza, the voice behind Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, died on Sunday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 46 years old. The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office listed hypertensive cardiovascular disease as the cause of death. His family confirmed the news on Monday, stating he had passed away suddenly.

Bauza was a Canadian-American actor who won three Emmy awards between 2022 and 2025. His accolades recognized his work on characters such as Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian, and Tweety. He also provided voices for major roles in the 2021 film "Space Jam: A New Legacy" and the 2023 "Super Mario Bros. Movie." Most recently, he appeared in the 2026 film "Coyote vs. Acme."

His career extended beyond the Warner Bros. cartoons. According to his IMDb page, he voiced Stimpy Cat in "Ren & Stimpy," Foop in "The Fairly OddParents," Fozzie Bear in "Muppet Babies," and the Beagle Boys in "DuckTales." Judy Coppage, his manager, described him as a unique and versatile artist who was loved by colleagues and fans alike.

In a statement released on his official Instagram page, Bauza’s family noted that he was the modern voice of iconic "Looney Tunes" characters. Coppage told NBC News via email that the sudden passing was a shock to everyone who knew him. She called it a profound loss for the animation industry and his family.

Bauza was the first person of color to voice Bugs Bunny. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he said the role brought a wave of support from the Asian American community. He noted that "Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures" and that the humor resonates globally. He grew up as a fan, citing the cartoons as a bond between his Filipino immigrant father and grandfather.

He described his early practice of mimicking cartoon voices as the foundation of his craft. His focus on detail and persistence defined his approach to voice acting. The announcement of his death came on Monday, two days after he died on Sunday.

Bauza’s family did not provide further details on the timeline of his illness. His manager emphasized that watching him excel was a rewarding experience. The animation world is now mourning the loss of a voice that defined a generation of cartoons.