The animation industry is mourning the reported death of Canadian voice actor Eric Bauza, whose performances brought some of television’s most recognisable cartoon characters to a new generation of audiences.
Bauza, best known for voicing Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and several other Looney Tunes characters, died on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at a residence in Los Angeles County. He was 46.
His family announced the news through a statement published on his official Instagram account, describing his passing as sudden.
According to the report, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified hypertensive cardiovascular disease as the cause of death and classified it as natural.
Bauza’s death brings to an end a career spanning more than two decades, during which he became one of the prominent voices behind contemporary animated productions.
His work was particularly associated with Warner Bros. Animation, where he spent approximately 15 years helping to sustain the popularity of classic cartoon characters.
Beyond Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Bauza provided voices for Porky Pig, Tweety Bird, Elmer Fudd and Road Runner.
His performances helped introduce the characters, originally popularised by legendary voice actor Mel Blanc, to younger audiences through modern television and film productions.
Bauza’s extensive screen credits included Teen Titans Go!, Muppet Babies, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Coyote vs. Acme.
Over the course of his career, he accumulated hundreds of acting credits, demonstrating his versatility across different animation styles and characters.
His contributions also earned recognition from the television industry.
Between 2022 and 2025, Bauza received three Children’s and Family Emmy Awards for his voice performances, further establishing his reputation as an accomplished animation performer.
Reacting to his death, Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks chairwoman Channing Dungey paid tribute to his talent and contributions to the entertainment industry.
She described Bauza as an exceptional performer whose work entertained millions of viewers around the world.
Dungey also acknowledged his role in preserving the legacy of the Looney Tunes franchise and keeping its characters relevant to contemporary audiences.
Before his reported death, Bauza had been involved in preparations for upcoming animated projects, including Bye Bye Bunny: A Looney Tunes Musical and The Dragon Masters.
His passing has prompted renewed appreciation for the contribution of voice actors, whose performances give animated characters their distinctive personalities.
For fans of Looney Tunes, Bauza’s work represented a connection between the franchise’s original era and its modern adaptations.
His reported death leaves a significant gap in the animation industry, with his performances remaining part of a body of work enjoyed by audiences across generations.
Ezeana Emmanuel
