Eric Bauza, Looney Tunes Voice Star, Has Died

Eric Bauza, the voice actor known for his work on the Looney Tunes franchise, has died at the age of 46.

Bauza was born in Ontario to Filipino parents. He developed a passion for the animated characters during his childhood, frequently imitating their speech patterns. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he described the global reach of the cartoons. "Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures," he said. "It doesn't matter what part of the planet you're from. You get the comedy."

His professional career gained widespread recognition during the release of Space Jam: A New Legacy in 2021. In that film, he voiced Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Foghorn Leghorn. He returned to those specific roles for the animated feature Coyote vs. Acme, which was released this summer. In that project, he also provided the voice for Road Runner. He appeared in the recent release Forgotten Island as well.

Beyond the Warner Bros. properties, Bauza lent his voice to Toad General in The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023. He reprised the role in its sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. That film stands as the fifth highest-grossing international release this year.

His contributions to television earned him three Emmy awards for outstanding voice performance between 2022 and 2025. Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, commented on his passing. "Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," she stated. "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."

His family announced the death in an Instagram statement, describing the passing as sudden. Variety reported that the cause of death was hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Bauza died at his home on Sunday.