Eric Bauza, voice of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, dies aged 46

Voice actor Eric Bauza has died from heart disease at the age of 46, it has been confirmed.

The star was best known for voicing animated characters from the Looney Tunes universe, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig.

The news of his death was shared on his official Instagram page in a statement shared by his family, which 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.”

It has since been reported by Variety that he died on Sunday (25 October) from hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a condition that arises from damage to the heart caused by high blood pressure.

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Bauza had a prolific career as a voice actor, appearing in a string of beloved animations for both adults and children, including The Fairly OddParents, Ben 10, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures and Solar Opposites.

He also lent his voice to Forgotten Island, The Loud House, SuperKitties, Rick and Morty, Teen Titans Go!, Invincible and Bob’s Burgers.

But it’s his long-standing position within the Looney Tunes universe that he will be most revered for, lending his voice to main characters in Space Jam: A New Legacy, Tiny Toons Looniversity, Coyote vs Acme, Bugs Bunny Builders and The Day the Earth Blew Up.

In a statement released to Hollywood Reporter, Channing Dungey, chairman of Warner Bros Television Group and US Networks, said: "Eric Bauza was a unique voice talent who brought joy and laughter to millions around the world.

"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 honours of his life."

Earlier this month, he was named by Hollywood Reporter on their inaugural list of “Most Powerful People in Animation” for his contribution to the art.

Authors

Tilly Pearce is a freelance TV journalist whose coverage ranges from reality shows like Love Is Blind to sci-fi shows like Fallout. She is an NCTJ Gold Standard accredited journalist, who has previously worked as Deputy TV Editor (maternity cover) at Digital Spy, and Deputy TV & Showbiz Editor at Daily Express US.