Voice Actor Eric Bauza Dies at Age 46

The acclaimed voice artist, known for his work as Bugs Bunny, passed away at his home in Los Angeles.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Animation

Voice actor Eric Bauza has died at the age of 46. The Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed that the actor, who made history as the first person of color to voice Bugs Bunny, passed away at his residence.

Why it matters

Bauza leaves behind a significant legacy in animation, having earned three Emmy awards for his performances between 2022 and 2025. His career included roles in major projects such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the 2026 film Coyote vs. Acme.

Bauza received three Emmy awards during his career, with his wins occurring between 2022 and 2025. He was 46 years old at the time of his death.

The players

Eric Bauza

He was an acclaimed voice actor and the first person of color to voice the iconic Looney Tunes character Bugs Bunny.

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner

This local government agency is responsible for investigating deaths and determining the medical cause of passing within the county.

The details

The Los Angeles County medical examiner identified the cause of death as hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Bauza's family announced the passing through an official Instagram account.

In 2021, Bauza confirmed he was the voice of Bugs Bunny.
Between 2022 and 2025, Bauza secured three Emmy awards.
In 2023, Bauza performed in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
On October 25, 2026, Eric Bauza died at his residence.
In 2026, Bauza appeared in the film Coyote vs. Acme.

Industry Dynamics

Bauza represented a major shift in animation casting, breaking historic barriers as the first person of color to voice Bugs Bunny. His passing highlights the ongoing evolution of talent representation within the broader entertainment and voice-over industry.

Fans can continue to experience Bauza's work through his recent appearances in films like Coyote vs. Acme. His past performances, including his Emmy-winning roles and work in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, remain available across various streaming platforms.

The takeaway

Bauza left an indelible mark on animation through his versatility and historic contributions as a performer. His career serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of representation in iconic media roles.