Emmy-winning voice actor Eric Bauza, known for Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, dies at 46
Eric Bauza, the Emmy-winning actor who voiced many Looney Tunes characters, died at age 46, his family announced on Instagram.
Eric Bauza, an Emmy-winning voice actor recognized for providing the modern voices of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and numerous other Looney Tunes figures, died at 46, his family announced on Instagram. The post confirmed his sudden passing and said further details would follow.
Bauza had been slated to attend the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s The Cat in the Hat on Sunday, where he was to support the short film Daffy Season that precedes the feature, according to press documents.
"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," said Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and U.S. Networks.
The actor had recently been named to The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural Animation Power list and attended the related event. Scott Roxborough of the publication noted that Bauza had become "the voice of an entire cartoon universe," adding that he succeeded legendary voice artist Mel Blanc in portraying characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Marvin the Martian and others.
Earlier this year, Bauza voiced a range of Looney Tunes personalities in the film Coyote vs. Acme, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Porky Pig, the Road Runner and more. He also contributed to Space Jam: A New Legacy and the Looney Tunes Cartoons series.
Born on December 7, 1979, in Toronto, Bauza later lived in Los Angeles. He began his career as a character designer before moving into voice work, earning Daytime Emmy, Children’s & Family Emmy and Annie Award nominations for roles such as the title character in The Adventures of Puss in Boots and Fozzie in Muppet Babies.
His recent credits included DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island and voice work for commercials such as Lucky the Leprechaun for Lucky Charms cereal, the Trix Rabbit for Trix cereal, and Marvin the Martian for Nike.