Emmy-award winning voice actor Eric Bauza, who was the modern voice of iconic Looney Tunes characters Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has died at home from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, aged 46.
The voice actor’s death was announced by his family, who shared a statement to the actor’s Instagram account. The cause of death was released by the Los Angeles county medical examiner.
“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. More details to come,” his familywrote.
Bauza worked for Warner Bros Animation for 15 years and had more than 400 acting credits in his career, including voicing Porky Pig, Road Runner and Tweety.
“Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world,” said Warner Bros Television Group and US Networks chair Channing Dungey in a statement shared with Variety. “He followed in the footsteps of giants like Mel Blanc.
“Eric said that carrying on the legendary legacy of the Looney Tunes was among the greatest honors of his life. In addition to his incredible talent, Eric was a treasured part of our animation family. Our hearts go out to his loved ones.”
Bauza was born in Scarborough, Toronto, in 1979. Over his career he won three Emmy awards for his work on Teen Titans Go!, Bugs Bunny Builders and Looney Tunes Cartoons.
This year he voiced characters in Rick and Morty, Superkitties, Minions & Monsters and Avatar: Seven Havens. At the time of his death, he was in pre-production for Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical and The Dragon Masters.
In August, Bauza attended the Los Angeles premiere of the live-action/animation hybrid film Coyote vs. Acme in California.
Film producer, screenwriter and former voice actor Christopher DeFaria, who worked with Bauza on Coyote vs. Acme, told Variety the voice actor would be remembered for his “incredible impact”.
“He’s a voiceover artist for animated characters that have historic precedents and roles, and somehow out of that, he carved out a place in this business,” said DeFaria. “And this past year, he had such an incredible impact, both on our movie, of course, but also on bringing attention to this amazing art form.”
