Bunny Levine, a former school librarian who launched a prolific Hollywood acting career after retirement with notable roles in Gilmore Girls and La La Land, has died at the age of 97, per cbsnews.com.
Levine passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Tarzana, California, on August 20, as confirmed by her manager, Brandon Kjar. Born on December 22, 1928, in East Orange, New Jersey, Levine pursued her passion for performance later in life after working for 25 years as a school librarian, holding master’s degrees from New York University and Columbia University.
Following her retirement, she secured numerous television and film credits, including appearances in Law & Order, Raising Hope and the final season of The Upshaws in 2026. Her agent, Mike Eisenstadt, remembered her as a fearless and dedicated performer. Alongside her acting work, Levine and her husband, Bernie Levine, co-founded the Actors Connection in New York City in 1991 to support fellow artists.
She is survived by her three children, Marty, Francie and Joe, as well as her two grandchildren, Robin and Jeffrey.
•Featured image: Bunny Levine attends the Los Angeles premiere of “Thelma” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on June 14, 2024, in Los Angeles, California /Amanda Edwards / Getty Images