Eric Bauza grew up in Toronto, watching Bugs Bunny get up to all kinds of mischief on television. He never imagined that one day he would be the one voicing one of animation’s most beloved characters in English.
And he did just that. For more than two decades, he lent his talent to Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, as well as Porky Pig, Tweety, Elmer Fudd and the Road Runner. He won three Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, amassed more than 400 credits, and became one of the great successors to Mel Blanc, the legendary actor who originally voiced many of these characters.
Eric passed away on October 25, at the age of 46. His family announced his sudden death on Instagram and, according to the Los Angeles County coroner, the cause was hypertensive cardiovascular disease. He had two projects in pre-production, including a Looney Tunes musical in which he would voice Daffy Duck again.
Many people grew up laughing at these characters without knowing who was behind their voices. Eric was part of the childhoods of millions of people, even though most never knew what he looked like. And perhaps that is one of the most special legacies of his work: making animated characters feel so alive and familiar that their voices would stay with us forever.
Every time Bugs Bunny says “What’s up, Doc?” again, millions will remember Eric’s voice. Because even though he is no longer here, the talent and joy he brought to every character will continue to accompany generations. 🕊️💔