Bunny Levine, "Gilmore Girls" and "La La Land" actress, dies at 97

Bunny Levine, an actress who transitioned from a career as a school librarian to Hollywood, has died at 97. She passed away peacefully at her home in Tarzana, California, on Aug. 20. Levine, born in New Jersey in 1928, harbored a passion for acting from a young age but dedicated 25 years to education, earning master's degrees from New York University and Columbia University.

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Bunny inspired affection and admiration in many people with her work in education and performance.

After retiring from her librarian post, Levine pursued her acting aspirations, securing roles in popular television shows like "Gilmore Girls" and "Law & Order," as well as films such as "La La Land." Her agent, Mike Eisenstadt, remembered her as "a great and fearless actress and such a nice lady" with "a full life."

Levine continued to work and audition for roles until recently, with credits in "The Invisible Raptor" (2023) and films released in 2024, including "Sacramento" and "Thelma." In 2026, she appeared in the final season of "The Upshaws" and "The Cure."

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She was a great and fearless actress and such a nice lady. What a full life. She will be missed.

Beyond her acting career, Levine, alongside her husband Bernie, founded the Actors Connection in New York City in 1991. The organization, which supported actors for over three decades, was celebrated for "launching countless careers" and creating a "vibrant community." Her family stated that she "inspired affection and admiration in many people with her work in education and performance."

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Her passion for helping actors has launched countless careers. Thank you Bunny for creating such a vibrant community to serve the fellow artists you have always loved, may you rest in sweet peace!