Eric Bauza, Voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Dies at 46
The prolific voice actor, known for his work on "Looney Tunes," passed away from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
Eric Bauza, the voice actor behind iconic "Looney Tunes" characters including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died. He was 46.
Bauza died Sunday from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. His family confirmed his death via Instagram.
Beginning in 2001, Bauza amassed more than 400 voice-acting credits in a career that lent his voice to beloved characters in animated series such as "Puss in Boots," "Muppet Babies," and "Avatar: The Last Airbender." He became particularly known for carrying on the legacy of Mel Blanc, the original voice of many Looney Tunes characters.
"Mel Blanc will always be the original gangsta, the godfather of voiceover," Bauza told Fox News Digital in 2020. "He was the first voice actor credited on screen as a voice actor. ... He really paved the way to show the importance of vocal performance, not an on-camera one."
Bauza's work on the Looney Tunes franchise included feature films such as "Space Jam: A New Legacy" (2021), "The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie" (2024), and "Coyote vs. Acme." He won three Children's and Family Emmy Awards during his career.
Bauza voiced Stimpy in the 2003 series "Ren & Stimpy: Adult Party Cartoon," taking over the role previously performed by Billy West. He also participated in events related to "Space Jam: A New Legacy."
Reflecting on Bugs Bunny's signature accent, Bauza explained that Mel Blanc had combined elements of Brooklyn and Bronx accents, aiming for a tough, streetwise sound. Bauza described Bugs Bunny as representing the "everyman, the every rabbit," appealing to audiences through his desire for simple things and his trickster nature when provoked.
Bauza's career extended to numerous other animated projects, introducing classic characters to new generations and establishing memorable performances of his own.