Eric Bauza’s Simpsons Debut Will Air After His Death

Bauza voices a food-service owner, Mr. Fong, and press editor Harry Metsali in “Dream Scenari-Moe,” an episode scheduled to air November 15. It will be his first appearance on the long-running animated series, a role he had recently been cast to play before his death at age 46 on October 25.

The episode follows Moe as he joins a sleep study and begins experiencing romantic-comedy dreams that come with a troubling cost. Guest voices also include Meg Ryan as Sam and James Austin Johnson portraying Dr. De La Manana.

Cesar Mazariegos, a co-executive producer and co-showrunner of the episode, said Bauza recorded in two sessions and brought many vocal variations to the roles. He described the actor as funny, generous and deeply talented, and said the production team had hoped to work with him again.

Bauza had more than 400 acting credits. He became widely known for voicing Looney Tunes characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, Porky Pig and Road Runner, and also worked on shows such as Avatar: The Last Airbender and Rick and Morty. Animation colleagues remembered him for his range and extensive knowledge of the characters he performed.

Medical examiner records listed hypertensive cardiovascular disease as the cause of Bauza’s death and classified it as natural. The records also named sleep apnea and class 2 obesity as significant contributing conditions.