Voice Actor: Eric Bauza Dies at 46

Eric Bauza, the voice behind some of animation’s most recognizable characters, died at age 46. The sudden death of the Emmy-winning actor marks the end of a career that spanned three decades of popular cartoons and video games.

His family announced the news on Instagram, stating that Bauza had died "suddenly" at his home on Sunday. Variety reported the cause of death as hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

Bauza’s most recent work appeared in the animated film Coyote vs. Acme, released this summer, where he voiced multiple characters including Road Runner. He also starred in the recent release Forgotten Island. His previous high-profile role was in 2021’s Space Jam: A New Legacy, in which he provided voices for Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Foghorn Leghorn.

Born in Ontario to a Filipino family, Bauza grew up imitating the voices of Looney Tunes characters. In a 2021 interview with NBC News, he described the appeal of the franchise, noting, "Looney Tunes transcends all languages and all cultures. It doesn't matter what part of the planet you're from. You get the comedy."

Beyond his work with Warner Bros., Bauza played Toad General in 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He returned to the role in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which stands as the fifth highest-grossing film internationally this year.

The actor received three Emmy awards for outstanding voice performance between 2022 and 2025. Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros. Television Group and US Networks, paid tribute to him in a statement reported by the Hollywood Reporter. "Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world," Dungey said. "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."