Eric Bauza, Voice of Modern Looney Tunes Characters, Dies at 46
The Emmy-winning Canadian voice actor was the first person of color to voice Bugs Bunny.
Eric Bauza, the voice actor behind modern iterations of iconic "Looney Tunes" characters, has died. His family announced his passing late Sunday, stating he was 46.
Bauza, a child of Filipino immigrants, grew up imitating the voices from the animated franchise, which his father and grandfather had watched in the Philippines. "Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures," Bauza told NBC News in 2021, emphasizing the universal appeal of the cartoons.
His voice acting career began in the 2000s with roles in "The Ren & Stimpy Show," "The Fairly OddParents," and "El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera." Bauza later became a prominent voice in the "Looney Tunes" universe, starting with Marvin the Martian on "The Looney Tunes Show" in the early 2010s.
He went on to voice Daffy Duck and Porky Pig in the 2021 film "Space Jam: A New Legacy" and in the 2024 film "The Day the Earth Blew Up." More recently, Bauza lent his voice to Bugs Bunny, along with other characters, in the film "Coyote vs. Acme."
Bauza was the first person of color to voice Bugs Bunny. He received three Children’s and Family Emmy Awards for his work on "Looney Tunes Cartoons," "Bugs Bunny Builders," and "Teen Titans Go!"
Producers and executives remembered Bauza for his dedication and impact. Chris DeFaria, producer of "Coyote vs. Acme," told Variety that Bauza embodied the theme that "a little guy can make a difference in this world." Channing Dungey, chair of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, stated that Bauza was a "unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," following in the footsteps of legendary voice actor Mel Blanc.