Voice Actor Eric Bauza, Who Voiced Bugs Bunny, Dies at 46

Eric Bauza, the voice actor responsible for iconic roles including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died. His family announced the news on Monday, stating that he passed away suddenly. Bauza was 46 years old.

According to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office, the actor died at his residence on Sunday. The office identified hypertensive cardiovascular disease as the cause of death. The medical examiner’s report provided the first official details regarding the circumstances of his passing.

Bauza’s family posted a brief statement on his official Instagram page. They described him as the modern voice of iconic Looney Tunes characters, including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, along with dozens of other beloved cartoon figures. The statement noted that he had passed away suddenly but offered no further details at the time of publication.

Judy Coppage, Bauza’s manager, told NBC News by email that the actor was a unique and versatile talent loved by everyone he knew. She described his sudden passing as a shock to the industry and his fans. Coppage called the loss profound for his family and the animation community.

The Canadian-American actor won three Emmy Awards between 2022 and 2025. His award-winning work included voicing characters such as Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian, and Tweety. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, Bauza noted that he was the first person of color to voice Bugs Bunny. He said the role led to encouragement and adoration from the Asian American community.

Bauza grew up a massive fan of Looney Tunes, which he said was part of the bond between his Filipino immigrant father and grandfather. He credited his obsessive attention to detail and persistence as the foundation of his craft, noting he grew up mimicking cartoon voices. He stated that the cartoons transcend languages and cultures, allowing viewers from any part of the planet to enjoy the comedy.

Beyond the classic cartoons, Bauza voiced major animated characters in the 2021 movie Space Jam: A New Legacy. He also appeared in the 2023 Super Mario Bros. Movie and the 2026 film Coyote vs. Acme. His film credits include roles in Ren & Stimpy, The Fairly OddParents, Muppet Babies, and DuckTales.