Eric Bauza, the voice of Bugs Bunny, dies at 46
The Emmy-winning actor who voiced Looney Tunes icons and Mario characters died suddenly at his home on Sunday.
By Amina Yusuf ·
Eric Bauza, the actor who gave voice to Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, died at age 46. His family announced the death in an Instagram post on Monday, stating that the performer passed away suddenly. Variety reported that he died at his home on Sunday due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
Bauza was born in Ontario and is of Filipino descent. As a child, he grew up imitating the voices of the cartoons he watched. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he described the global appeal of the franchise. "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 career with the Looney Tunes characters expanded significantly with the release of Space Jam: A New Legacy in 2021. In that film, he voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Foghorn Leghorn. He returned to these roles in the animated feature Coyote vs. Acme, which was released this summer. In that film, he also provided the voice for Road Runner. He also appeared in the recent release Forgotten Island.
Outside the Warner Bros. universe, Bauza lent his voice to Toad General in The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023. He reprised the role in the sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which has become the fifth highest-grossing film internationally this year.
The actor received three Emmy awards for outstanding voice performance between 2022 and 2025. Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, offered a tribute in a statement reported by the Hollywood Reporter. "Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," Dungey said. She added that he followed in the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc.
Bauza noted in that same tribute that carrying on the legendary legacy of the Looney Tunes was among the greatest honors of his life.
The next major appearance for the characters he voiced will be in upcoming promotional materials for the Mario franchise, though no new recordings have been confirmed since his passing.
Source: BBC News
