Actress Bunny Levine has died at 97

The librarian-turned-actress - who had roles in TV shows and movies including Law and Order, Gilmore Girls, La La Land and passed away in her sleep at her home in Tarzana, California, on Thursday (20.08.26), her representatives told The Hollywood Reporter.

An obituary in the New York Times read: "She was cherished by her children Marty (Judy), Francie (Jay), and Joe; and her grandchildren Robin and Jeffrey. Born in Orange, NJ, Bunny held Masters' degrees from NYU and Columbia.

"She was a longtime school librarian and teacher in Teaneck, NJ, before taking an early retirement to become an actor. In both careers, she inspired affection and admiration in her students and colleagues.

"She acted in numerous TV and film roles and also cofounded, with her adored husband of 53 years, Bernard S. Levine (Bernie), the Actors Connection, in New York City.

"There, they supported numerous actors in advancing their careers. Bunny had a lifelong love of reading, which she shared as a school librarian, uplifting and encouraging her students."

A memorial service will be held on Thursday (27.08.26) afternoon at the Jewish Memorial Chapel in Clifton, New Jersey.

The obituary added that donations to the Entertainment Community Fund "would be appreciated" and a link was also provided to pay to plant trees in her memory.

Bunny's first film role came in 1988's cult horror comedy Slime City. After her husband Bernard Levine died in 2003, Bunny - whose real name was Bernice - movved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full time.

Her last credited roles were in the 2026 film The Cure and short film Achiever.

Bunnt is survived by her children Marty, Francie and Joe and her grandchildren Robin and Jeffrey.