Bunny Levine, a talented actress known for her roles in popular television series and films, has passed away at the age of 97. She died peacefully in her sleep at her residence in Tarzana, California, on Thursday, 20th August, as confirmed by her representatives in statements to various news outlets.
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Born Bernice Levine in Orange, New Jersey, Bunny dedicated much of her early life to academia. She earned master’s degrees from both New York University and Columbia University, later embarking on a career as a school librarian and teacher. However, in the 1990s, she made the bold decision to shift from education to acting, a move that would lead to a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry.
Levine’s acting journey began with her first film appearance in the 1990 comedy “Cadillac Man,” alongside notable stars Robin Williams and Tim Robbins. As her career progressed, she made her mark on television, taking part in series such as “You Wrote It, You Watch It” in 1993 and a guest role in “Law & Order” in 1999. Her talent and versatility soon attracted wider recognition.
In 1991, Bunny Levine, along with her late husband Bernard S. Levine, co-founded the Actors Connection in New York City. This organisation was dedicated to helping aspiring actors kickstart their careers. Following her passing, the organisation released a heartfelt statement praising Levine’s contributions. “Her passion for helping actors has launched countless careers,” they acknowledged, also expressing gratitude for her role in creating a supportive community for artists.
After the death of her husband in 2003, Levine relocated to Los Angeles, where she continued to flourish in her acting career. Over the years, she became a familiar face on numerous television shows, including “Ugly Betty,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Shameless.” She also appeared in popular comedies like “2 Broke Girls,” “Raising Hope,” and the recent series “Sprung.” Her commitment to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences contributed significantly to her enduring popularity.
Levine was not just confined to television; she also made appearances in several acclaimed films. Notable works from her filmography include a role in “La La Land,” where she shared the screen with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, as well as various collaborations with comedian Adam Sandler in films such as “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan” and “Sandy Wexler.”
As her career neared its conclusion, Levine still had notable projects in the pipeline. Her last credited performances included appearances in the 2026 film “The Cure” and a short film titled “Achiever,” demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the acting profession up until her final days.
Bunny Levine leaves behind three children—Marty, Francie, and Joe—along with her grandchildren, Robin and Jeffrey. Her family, along with the many lives she touched throughout her career, will undoubtedly carry on her legacy.
A memorial service will be held in her honour at the Jewish Memorial Chapel in Clifton, New Jersey, on Thursday, 27th August. Friends, family, and admirers of Levine’s work are expected to gather to celebrate her remarkable life and impactful contributions to the arts. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and artists who strive to follow in her illustrious footsteps.