She spent 25 years working as a school librarian before finally deciding to chase the dream she had carried since childhood.
But now, Bunny Levine, the beloved character actress whose decades-long career included memorable appearances in Gilmore Girls, Everybody Loves Raymond, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, Ugly Betty, Raising Hope and La La Land, has died at 97.
She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her California home on August 20, with her death believed to be from natural causes.
Bunny Levine was nearly 60 when she stepped into the acting world — and what followed was an unexpected second act that brought her into the homes of millions of television viewers.
Born Bernice Levine on December 22, 1928, in East Orange, New Jersey, she had dreamed of performing from a young age. But life initially took her in another direction. She earned master’s degrees from New York University and Columbia University and devoted decades to education before retiring in 1985.
Then, rather than settling into a quiet retirement, Levine decided to take a chance on herself.
She began auditioning and slowly built an acting career that would last for decades. Her early work included appearances in Cadillac Man and Law & Order, before she began landing increasingly memorable comedic roles.
Age was never going to stop her
One of her first unusual television appearances came on The Dr. Ruth Show, where she played a widow seeking advice about beginning a new relationship.
“I played a widow who was having her first post-widow relationship and Dr. Ruth was giving her tips on how to be comfortable with that,” Levine recalled in a 2021 interview.
She joked that the role briefly confused people who knew her because her husband was still alive at the time.
Levine later became known for embracing roles that were often funny, unexpected and sometimes downright outrageous. She appeared on Chappelle’s Show, Everybody Loves Raymond, You Don’t Mess With the Zohan and Shameless, proving that age was never going to stop her from taking on a challenge.
“I guess I am funny on camera, but I have no idea why,” she once said.
Her credits continued to grow well into her 90s, with appearances in Thelma in 2024 and, more recently, The Upshaws and The Cure. According to her manager, Levine was still auditioning and working as recently as June.
For Levine, acting was never simply about fame. She also wanted to help others find their way into the industry.
In 1991, she and her husband, Bernie, founded Actors Connection in New York City, an organization designed to help aspiring performers through coaching, casting advice and professional networking. Bernie died in 2003 after 53 years of marriage.
How Bunny Levine died
Bunny Levine died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Tarzana, California, on August 20, her manager Brandon Kjar confirmed. Police believe she died of natural causes.
“Bunny inspired affection and admiration in many people with her work in education and performance,” her family said in a statement.
After her death, Actors Connection paid tribute to the woman who helped countless performers pursue their own dreams.
“Her passion for helping actors has launched countless careers,” the organization said. “Thank you Bunny for creating such a vibrant community to serve the fellow artists you have always loved — may you rest in sweet peace!”
Levine leaves behind her children, Marty, Francie and Joe, as well as her grandchildren, Robin and Jeffrey.
Her story was an extraordinary reminder that sometimes the dream you put aside for decades is still waiting for you — and that it is never too late to begin again.
Rest in peace, Bunny Levine.
READ MORE
- Trump’s savage dig at Karoline Leavitt revealed in new ‘best press secretary’ photo
- Neighbors’ brutal reaction to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the U.K. revealed
