Bunny Levine, a Tarzana-born former librarian, died at 97 in her sleep on August 20, 2026, after a long, late-blooming acting career that bridged television and film.

Her acting journey gained momentum late in life, with memorable TV appearances on shows like Gilmore Girls, Everybody Loves Raymond, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, Ugly Betty, Raising Hope, and films such as La La Land, The Cure, and Achiever.

Together with her late husband Bernard Levine, she co-founded The Actors Connection in New York to help performers develop professionally; after his death in 2003, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting more fully.

Tributes from her agent and family celebrated her fearless acting, generosity, and lasting impact on the acting community, describing her as a loving, energetic presence.

Her death was confirmed by her representative and reported by The Hollywood Reporter, with police finding no suspicious circumstances.

She is survived by three children—Marty, Francie, and Joe—and is remembered as a prolific character actress who proved a screen career can flourish at any age.

She emphasized perseverance and rejection as inherent to acting, highlighting ongoing study and auditions as keys to longevity.

After her husband’s death in 2003, she found renewed happiness in acting, using the craft to cope with grief and loneliness.

Her story underscores that it is never too late to pursue a dream, even after a prior long career in a different field.

She left a legacy of advocacy and mentorship in the industry, continuing to influence fellow actors and students.

Her life illustrates a late-starting but enduring acting career and the lasting impact of her advocacy and community support for performers.

Obituaries highlight her dual legacy as an educator and performer, noting ongoing activity in acting through 2026 and her continued influence in the field.