Warner Bros. Confirms Death of Looney Tunes Voice Star Eric Bauza

Eric Bauza, the voice actor responsible for iconic Looney Tunes characters, has died. He was 46. His family announced the news on Instagram, stating he passed away suddenly on Sunday at his home.

Variety reported that the cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Bauza was a prominent figure in animation, with a career spanning nearly two decades of major studio productions. He recently finished recording for the animated film Coyote vs. Acme, which opened in theaters this summer. He also appeared in the recent release Forgotten Island.

Bauza was born in Ontario and was of Filipino descent. He grew up imitating cartoon voices and later secured roles that brought him to a global audience. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he described the universal appeal of the medium. "Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures," he said. "It doesn't matter what part of the planet you're from. You get the comedy."

His work on the 2021 film Space Jam: A New Legacy introduced his interpretations of Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Foghorn Leghorn to a new generation. He reprised those roles in Coyote vs. Acme, adding the character of Road Runner to his repertoire. The film was part of a broader resurgence for the franchise in recent years.

Beyond the Warner Bros. cartoons, Bauza played Toad General in the 2023 film The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He returned to the role in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. That sequel is currently the fifth highest-grossing film internationally this year. His range extended to television, where he won three Emmy awards for outstanding voice performance between 2022 and 2025.

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, issued a tribute through the Hollywood Reporter. "Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," Dungey said. "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."

Bauza’s sudden death has prompted outpourings of grief from fellow actors and fans. The industry is now without a key voice who defined several characters for a decade. His final credits remain visible in the most recent theatrical releases.