CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. - Tributes are pouring in from across the entertainment world following the sudden death of Filipino Canadian Eric Bauza, the Emmy Award-winning voice actor best known for bringing iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck to life. The Scarborough, Ontario native passed away at his home on October 25, 2026, at the age of 46.
Bauza’s family initially announced his sudden passing in a post to his Instagram profile Sunday night. A report by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed that Bauza died at home in his sleep of natural causes stemming from hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
Considered a modern successor to original Bugs Bunny voice actor Mel Blanc, Bauza grew up watching Bugs Bunny’s cartoon exploits at his childhood home in Ontario. In 2020, he took on the iconic role for HBO Max’s Looney Tunes Cartoons, which ran for six seasons. Over his career, he voiced a legendary lineup of classic characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Porky Pig, Foghorn Leghorn, Road Runner, and Marvin the Martian.
In a joint statement released on Instagram, Warner Bros. Television Group Chairman Channing Dungey and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation President & CCO Bill Damaschke expressed their profound sadness:
“Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world. During his 15 years at Warner Bros. Animation, he was the voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck among countless other characters. 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.”
Friends, colleagues, and industry veterans shared touching memories of Bauza, highlighting not only his incredible talent but also his vibrant energy and kindness.
Animation historian, writer, and cartoon producer Jerry Beck posted on animationscoop.com that he worked alongside Bauza at the Lightbox Expo in Pasadena, California, just one day before his death:
“It’s hard to believe. A friend, an actor, an animator, one of the funniest people I knew. This past weekend Eric Bauza appeared on a panel I moderated for the Lightbox Expo in Pasadena. He was vibrant and alive. To demonstrate a classic piece of Looney Tunes comedy he performed as Bugs Bunny doing the square dance call from HILLBILLY HARE, while the classic cartoon ran on a large screen beside us, to a packed room full of hopeful artists, cartoonists and budding voice over performers. Eric was inspirational to many. He had a gift. Several. I can’t believe I’m writing these words. Eric Bauza. Rest In Peace. This is heart-breaking for many of us.”
Fellow American voice actor Josh Keaton took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his shock and grief over the loss:
“I still can't believe this is real. I'm absolutely numb right now. This feels like a bad dream. Eric Bauza was not only one of the most gifted people to grace the voice acting industry and a phenomenally talented artist, but one of the humblest, kindest, most supportive souls in the business. He had the warmest smile and was always sincere. He let his talent speak for itself and made everyone feel like he was their biggest fan. He will always be a legend but I'm devastated that I'll never be able to give him a hug, or hear him joke, or see him smile again.”
Born in Canada of Filipino parentage, Bauza originally moved from Canada to the United States to study animation. While doing voiceover work during his off hours, he discovered a passion that quickly transformed into his main career. He graduated in 2000 from the Radio, Television, and Film Program at Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto. Although he specialized in technical production, he also pursued drama studies and occasionally worked as a stand-up comedian, talk show host, layout artist, production manager, and director.
Over more than two and a half decades, he amassed an extraordinary resume with over 420 voice acting credits in animation and video games. He was also nominated for five Daytime Emmy Awards and winner of three Children’s & Family Emmy Awards. Notably, in 2022, he won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice Performance in an Animated Program for playing Bugs Bunny, Marvin the Martian, Daffy Duck, and Tweety in Looney Tunes Cartoons, making him the second Canadian actor to win that award since Jay Baruchel.
