Three-time Emmy Winner Eric Bauza, Voice of Bugs Bunny, Dies at 46

Fans of classic animation lost a central voice on Sunday when Eric Bauza died at the age of 46. The family announced his sudden passing in a statement posted to Instagram. Variety reported that the cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease and that he passed away at home.

Bauza provided the voices for iconic characters including Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Foghorn Leghorn. He reprised these roles in the animated film Coyote vs. Acme, which was released earlier this year. He also voiced Road Runner in that production and appeared in the recent film Forgotten Island.

His recent work includes the role of Toad General in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The latter film became the fifth highest-grossing release internationally in 2026. Between 2022 and 2025, Bauza received three Emmy Awards for outstanding voice performance in television series.

Born in Ontario and of Filipino descent, Bauza told NBC News in a 2021 interview that he imitated the characters as a child. He noted that the humor of Looney Tunes crosses cultural boundaries. "It doesn't matter what part of the planet you're from. You get the comedy," he said.

Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, paid tribute to the actor. "Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," Dungey said. He added that Bauza considered the continuation of the Looney Tunes legacy one of the greatest honors of his life.