For the current generation of Looney Tunes, the man who had given them their voices has very sadly passed away. Eric Bauza, who was responsible for taking up the very large shoes left by iconic voice artist Mel Blanc, has reportedly died at 46, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Bauza would portray the timeless characters that include Porky Pig, Tweety, Daffy Duck and, of course, Bugs Bunny. His voice was featured in two of the latest Looney Tunes feature films that was picked up by Ketchup Entertainment — The Day the Earth Blew Up and the successful Coyote vs Acme.
The news of Bauza’s passing was announced on his official Instagram account by his family. The post featured a picture of text that read, “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.”
There is now a community note below the post that gives an official cause-of-death explanation with a explains, “Eric Bauza did die unexpectedly. According to the LA Medical Examiner, his death was reportedly due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease.”
Bauza was expected to attend the premiere
Bauza was expected to attend the premiere of the new Cat in the Hat movie, which featured a new Looney Tunes short titled Duck Season, in which he starred as Daffy Duck.
Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and U.S. Networks, made a statement on Bauza after the news broke, “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.”
Bauza found himself included in THR’s inaugural Animation Power List, where THR’s Scott Roxborough wrote, “Bauza has quietly become the voice of an entire cartoon universe. One of the successors to the legendary Mel Blanc as the voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Marvin the Martian and a dozen more iconic characters, the Canadian actor outdid himself with Coyote vs. Acme, voicing everything from Bugs Bunny to Foghorn Leghorn and Tweety Bird.”
Check out our interviews with Bauza from his projects below.
