Filipino Canadian Eric Bauza, voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck dies at 46

Eric Bauza, the Emmy Award-winning voice actor and animator known for voicing Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and numerous other beloved cartoon characters, has died at 46. According to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner records, as reported by Variety, Bauza died Sunday at his home from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

His family announced his death in a brief statement posted on his Instagram account.

“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,” they wrote. “More details to come.”

On Wednesday, October 28, his family shared a longer tribute honoring his career, his roots, and his lasting impact on the animation industry.

“It is with profound sadness that we remember Eric Bauza, the celebrated voice actor, animator, and Daytime Emmy Award winner whose extraordinary talent and unmistakable voice brought beloved characters to life for generations of audiences around the world,” the statement read.

Born and raised in Scarborough, Toronto, Bauza was the son of Filipino immigrants who moved to Canada in the late 1960s. 

His connection to his hometown remained important throughout his career, even as his work reached audiences around the world.

“Eric's journey from his Canadian hometown to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in animation is a testament to his remarkable talent, creativity, and lifelong passion for his craft. 

"His connection to Toronto and the community where his story began remained an important part of his life as his work reached audiences across Canada, the United States, and around the world.”

Throughout his career, Bauza amassed more than 400 acting credits, beginning with animated TV series “The Ripping Friends” in 2001. His versatility made him a familiar voice across animated TV and film, particularly through his work on the “Looney Tunes” franchise.

Alongside Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, he voiced Porky Pig, Tweety, Elmer Fudd, Charlie Dog, and Road Runner, among other characters. His Looney Tunes credits included “Looney Tunes Cartoons” and “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” as well as this year's film “Coyote vs. Acme.”

His other voice acting credits included “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated,” and “Ben 10:Omniverse.” His more recent projects included “Forgotten Island,” “Minions & Monsters,” “Rick and Morty,” and “Avatar: Seven Havens.”

Bauza also worked behind the scenes as a character designer, contributing to projects such as “Good Vibe,” “The Drawn Together Movie!,” and “El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera.”

His contributions to animation earned him multiple industry honors. Bauza received five Daytime Emmy nominations and won three awards at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards. 

At the inaugural ceremony in 2022, he was recognized for “Looney Tunes Cartoons.” He later won for “Bugs Bunny Builders” in 2023 and “Teen Titans Go!” in 2025.

In their tribute, his family praised his ability to make classic characters his own while preserving the qualities that made them beloved across generations.

“With impeccable comedic timing, boundless creativity, and a deep appreciation for the artists who came before him, Eric made these iconic characters his own while preserving the magic audiences had cherished for generations. Through his performances, he became part of countless childhoods, family memories, and lives around the world,” his family wrote.

They also remembered him as a devoted family member and friend whose impact was felt well beyond his work in animation.

"Eric's life extended far beyond the microphone. He was a beloved father, son, brother, fiancé, friend, and colleague whose presence touched countless lives throughout the animation community and beyond. 

"While audiences knew and loved the characters he portrayed, those closest to him will remember the man behind the voice - his humor, his heart, and the personal connections that made him so special," the family added.

Following news of his death, friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry shared tributes, remembering Bauza for both his talent and his kindness.

Actor and comedian Adam DeVine recalled how the late actor encouraged him during one of his first voiceover jobs on “Uncle Grandpa.”

“Eric was always so kind and funny. I remember him giving me such words of encouragement on my first VO gig Uncle Grandpa. He was so generous and SO talented. He will be missed by all that knew him!”

Voice actor and puppeteer Jayden Libran also expressed disbelief over the loss, recalling that they had spoken with Bauza shortly before his death.

“It still feels so... unreal. He was active just a few days ago. I spoke with him not long before then... God, I was so hoping it was fake when I heard it. Someone as kind and loving as him deserved far more years on this earth.

"Gone far too soon, and I don't know that I'll ever truly get past how overwhelmingly painful this loss has been for the animation community. My heart goes out to his sweet son, who lost an amazing father.”

At the time of his death, Bauza was in pre-production on “Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical,” in which he was set to voice Daffy Duck.