Veteran Gilmore Girls and La La Land Actress Bunny Levine Dies at 97

Bunny Levine, the beloved character actress known for roles in Gilmore Girls, La La Land, Everybody Loves Raymond, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, Ugly Betty and Raising Hope, has died at 97.

Levine passed away peacefully in her sleep at her California home on August 20, with her death believed to have been from natural causes.

What makes her story remarkable is that Levine didn’t begin acting until she was nearly 60. Before that, she spent 25 years working as a school librarian after earning master’s degrees from New York University and Columbia University.

After retiring in 1985, she finally decided to pursue the acting dream she had carried since childhood. She went on to build a career that lasted for decades, taking on comedic and memorable roles across television and film.

Even into her 90s, Levine continued working. Her recent credits included Thelma, The Upshaws and The Cure, and according to her manager, she was still auditioning as recently as June.

Beyond acting, Levine dedicated herself to helping aspiring performers. In 1991, she and her husband, Bernie, founded Actors Connection, an organization that supported actors through coaching, casting guidance and networking.

Levine leaves behind her children, Marty, Francie and Joe, and grandchildren Robin and Jeffrey.

Her remarkable journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow a dream.

Rest in peace, Bunny Levine. ❤️