Eric Bauza, the award-winning voice actor known for playing Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in Looney Tunes, has died at the age of 46.
His family announced his death in a statement posted on Instagram on Monday, saying he had passed away “suddenly”. Reports have linked his death to hypertensive cardiovascular disease, but the family has not disclosed the cause.
“From the Family of Eric Bauza: Eric Bauza, Emmy Award-winning voice actor and the modern voice of iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with dozens of other beloved cartoon characters, has passed away suddenly. More details to come,” the statement reads.
Warner Bros. pays tribute to Bauza
Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues in the animation industry, including Channing Dungey, chairperson of Warner Bros. Television Group, where Bauza worked for 15 years.
Dungey described him as a “unique voice talent” who brought joy to millions worldwide. She also praised his efforts to preserve the legacy of the Looney Tunes characters.
“Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. During his 15 years at Warner Bros. Animation, he was the voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck among countless other characters,” she 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 honours of his life. In addition to his incredible talent, Eric was a treasured part of our animation family. Our hearts go out to his loved ones.”
Bauza’s career and awards
Bauza began his animation career as an intern at Spümcø during his third year in college. He later worked as a production assistant on Weekend Pu**y Hunt and The Ripping Friends. The latter marked his first voice acting role.
He gained wider recognition after taking over from Billy West as the voice of Stimpy in Ren & Stimpy ‘Adult Party Cartoon’.
He went on to voice several well-known animated characters, including Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd and Foghorn Leghorn. He also voiced characters in the 2021 film Space Jam: A New Legacy and reprised several roles in Coyote vs. Acme.
Bauza won three Emmy Awards for his work on Teen Titans Go!, Bugs Bunny Builders and Looney Tunes Cartoons.
He is survived by his son, whom he had with his former partner, Jessica Borutski.
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