Voice actor Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning performer behind modern iterations of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and other "Looney Tunes" characters, died on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. He was 46.
Bauza died at his home from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. His family announced the death via Instagram on Oct. 25, stating that further details would follow.
Born in Toronto on Dec. 7, 1979, Bauza began his career in Hollywood as a character designer before transitioning into voice acting. His first acting credit was for "The Ripping Friends" in 2001. Over a 25-year career, he accumulated more than 400 acting credits and spent 15 years at Warner Bros. Animation. He described the original voice of many Looney Tunes characters, Mel Blanc, as the "blueprint" for his performances.
Bauza provided voices for characters including Porky Pig, Marvin the Martian, Elmer Fudd, and Woody Woodpecker. His work included roles in "Avatar: The Last Airbender," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and "Space Jam: A New Legacy." In 2026, his voice was featured in projects such as "Rick and Morty," "Superkitties," and "Avatar: Seven Havens." At the time of his death, he was in pre-production for two upcoming projects: "Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical" and "The Dragon Masters."
Warner Bros. Television Group Chairman Channing Dungey called Bauza a "unique voice talent" and noted that he followed in the footsteps of "giants like Mel Blanc." No funeral dates or public memorials have been reported.