Full Breakdown
Bunny Levine, 97, Veteran Character Actress Passes Away
8/24/2026, 11:43:20 AM
Final Chapter: Death and Immediate Reactions
Bunny Levine died in her sleep at her home in Tarzana, California, in August 2024. The Los Angeles Police Department indicated that the death appeared to be from natural causes. A family statement expressed affection for her contributions to both education and performance and announced funeral services at the Jewish Memorial Chapel in Clifton, New Jersey, on Thursday at 1 p.m.
Life Before the Spotlight
Born Bernice Levine in East Orange, New Jersey, she earned master’s degrees from New York University and Columbia University. She spent 25 years as a school librarian and teacher in Teaneck, New Jersey, raising three children. In 1991, she and her husband of 53 years, Bernard S. Levine, founded the Actors Connection in New York City, an organization that “helps actors launch their careers.”
Late-Blooming Acting Career
After early retirement, Levine pursued acting classes and began auditioning. Following her husband’s death in 2003, she relocated to Los Angeles and built an extensive résumé of single-episode roles on series such as *Law & Order*, *Gilmore Girls*, *Ugly Betty*, *Criminal Minds*, and *New Girl*. Film appearances included *Cadillac Man* (1990), *You Don’t Mess With the Zohan* (2008), and *La La Land* (2016). Recent credits listed by her representatives include *The Invisible Raptor* (2023) and the final season of *The Upshaws*. She remained active in auditions well into her 90s.
Data & Statistics
- Age at death: 97
- 25 years as a librarian before acting
- Over 100 screen credits spanning 1988 – 2026
- Co-founder of the Actors Connection (1991)
Official Statements & Responses
- Manager Brandon Kjar: Confirmed her death, highlighted her continued auditions, and praised her as a “great and fearless actress.”
- Family statement: Described her as inspiring affection and admiration in both education and performance.
- Actors Connection: Honored her life and contributions, noting that her passion “has launched countless careers.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “She was still auditioning at 97 and worked in June. She was a great and fearless actress and such a nice lady,” — Brandon Kjar, her manager
- “'Gilmore Girls' documentary: HBO Max project will feature unseen footage "I feel very blessed to have been able to get back to what I had always wanted since early memory," Levine told the paper.” — Bunny Levine
What’s Next
Funeral services will be held at the Jewish Memorial Chapel in Clifton, New Jersey, on Thursday at 1 p.m. Donations may be directed to the Entertainment Community Fund.
