Eric Bauza, Voice of Modern Looney Tunes, Dies at 46

Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning voice actor who succeeded Mel Blanc as the primary voice for Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died at age 46. His family confirmed his sudden passing on October 25, 2026, in Los Angeles, citing natural causes related to hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

Career Legacy

Bauza was one of Hollywood’s most prolific voice actors, accumulating over 400 credits across studios including Warner Bros., Disney, and Cartoon Network. He is best known for voicing iconic Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety, and Road Runner. His work extended to major franchises like Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Adventures of Puss in Boots, and Muppet Babies. Notably, he became the first person of color to officially voice Bugs Bunny in English, a role he held for 15 years at Warner Bros. Animation.

Awards and Recognition

Bauza won three Children’s & Family Emmy Awards for his performances in Teen Titans Go!, Bugs Bunny Builders, and Looney Tunes Cartoons. He received five additional Daytime Emmy nominations for his versatility across animated series. Colleagues, including Jim Cummings and Warner Bros. Television Group President Channing Dungey, praised his kindness and talent, with Dungey noting that continuing the legacy of legends like Mel Blanc was one of the greatest honors of his life.

Unfinished Projects

At the time of his death, Bauza was in pre-production for two upcoming projects: Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical, where he voiced Daffy Duck, and The Dragon Masters, in which he provided the voice for Shogun King. His final released performance appears in the recently premiered film Coyote vs. Acme.