Bunny Levine, the beloved character actress who found fame in her 50s after a career as a school librarian, has died at the age of 97. Levine passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Tarzana, California, on August 20, as confirmed by her representative Mike Eisenstadt and reported by multiple news outlets including NBC Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department, which responded to a report of an unresponsive person, said the death appeared to be from natural causes.

A Second Act in Hollywood

Levine's journey to stardom was unconventional. Born Bernice Levine on December 22, 1928, in East Orange, New Jersey, she worked for about 25 years as a school librarian in New Jersey, raising three children with her late husband, Bernard. After taking early retirement, she decided to pursue acting full-time, a dream she had harbored since childhood.

Her first professional role came in the 1988 horror-comedy "Slime City" when she was 59. From there, she built an extensive resume, appearing in over 100 screen projects over four decades, according to Forbes.

A Versatile Career

Levine became a familiar face on television, with guest roles on shows like "Law & Order," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Ugly Betty," "Private Practice," "Criminal Minds," "2 Broke Girls," "New Girl," "The Mindy Project," "Fuller House," and "Shameless." She played Mrs. Thompson on "Gilmore Girls" in 2004.

On the big screen, she appeared in the 1990 film "Cadillac Man" and later starred in three Adam Sandler films, including "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" and an uncredited role in "Sandy Wexler." She played a movie theater cashier in the Oscar-winning musical "La La Land" (2016). Her recent credits included "Thelma" (2024), "The Upshaws," and the 2026 film "The Cure."

Remembered by Family and Colleagues

Levine's family remembered her in a statement to CBS News, saying, "Bunny inspired affection and admiration in many people with her work in education and performance." Her manager, Brandon Kjar, told the outlet that Levine continued to audition and last worked in June, noting she was "a great and fearless actress."

In 1991, Levine and her husband Bernard co-founded Actors Connection in New York City. The organization paid tribute, stating, "Her passion for helping actors has launched countless careers." Levine's final credits included the 2026 film "The Cure" and the short film "Achiever." She is survived by her children Marty, Francie, and Joe, and her grandchildren Robin and Jeffrey.