Actress Bunny Levine Dies At 97 In California

Veteran character actress Bunny Levine, who transitioned from a quarter-century career in education to Hollywood acting in her late 50s, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Tarzana, California home on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at age 97.

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to her residence on Thursday morning following a report of an unresponsive person, and authorities confirmed the death appeared to be from natural causes, as reported by NBCLA.

Levine built a prolific body of work with over 100 screen credits after making her professional debut at age 59 in the 1988 film "Slime City," following a 25-year career as a teacher and school librarian in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Her representative, Michael Eisenstadt, confirmed the news and noted that the actress remained active in her field until her final months.

"passed away in her sleep." said Michael Eisenstadt, Representative.

Eisenstadt praised her professional dedication and character during his statement to the media.

"a great and fearless actress and such a nice lady" said Michael Eisenstadt, Representative.

He reflected on the loss felt by those who worked alongside her throughout her long performance career.

"will be missed." said Michael Eisenstadt, Representative.

Born on December 22, 1928, in East Orange, New Jersey, Levine graduated from Washington State University in 1951 before raising three children and later moving to Los Angeles following the death of her husband, Bernard, in 2003.

Her extensive television work included portraying Mrs. Thompson on "Gilmore Girls," Hilda on "Everybody Loves Raymond," and Mrs. McCurdy on "Shameless," alongside guest roles on "Law & Order," "Ugly Betty," "New Girl," "Criminal Minds," "Jury Duty," and "Mrs. Davis."

On screen, she appeared as a theater cashier in "La La Land" and featured in "You Don't Mess with the Zohan," "Sandy Wexler," "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah," "Thelma," "Sacramento," and her final 2026 film "The Cure."

In a March 2025 interview regarding her lifelong interest in performing arts, Levine discussed the internal drive that led her to pursue acting.

"I don’t know that many of us could explain why — it’s just something. Maybe it’s in the genes," said Bunny Levine, Actress.

She noted her steady approach to developing her skills through ongoing training.

"I don’t know if there was any ‘moment.’ I just plugged along, and I would go study and try to get better at my crafts." said Bunny Levine, Actress.

Levine expressed gratitude for returning to her childhood ambitions after decades in education.

"I feel very blessed to have been able to get back to what I had always wanted since early memory," said Bunny Levine, Actress.

She shared a hopeful sentiment for others seeking fulfillment in their own callings.

"I wish that everyone could find that happiness." said Bunny Levine, Actress.

During a separate interview five years ago, she recalled why she initially delayed her acting career while raising her family.

"just wasn't practical" said Bunny Levine, Actress.

She explained how long her career was paused before she re-entered the industry.

"out of the picture for almost 35 years" said Bunny Levine, Actress.

She described the gradual process of taking acting classes and auditioning for commercials and television roles.

"gradually got back into it" said Bunny Levine, Actress.

Levine credited her late husband for encouraging her return to the stage and screen.

"My late husband − he died in 2003 − told me that he never saw me so happy as when I got back into acting," said Bunny Levine, Actress.

She added that performing provided comfort and focus following her husband's passing.

"Especially after he died, it was something to keep me from being really depressed and lonely. And, of course, I was depressed and lonely, but I think it alleviated that." said Bunny Levine, Actress.

Eisenstadt confirmed that Levine continued submitting auditions and actively worked on projects as recently as June 2026.