There is widespread mourning for Bunny Levine. The actress, who appeared in television series such as "Gilmore Girls", "Law & Order", and "Shameless," as well as the film "La La Land", has died at the age of 97. According to People, she died in her sleep on August 20 at her home in Tarzana, California.

Her longtime spokesperson, Brandon Kjar, remembered Levine as an artist who remained active until the very end.

“She was still auditioning at 97 and worked in June. She was a great and fearless actress and such a nice lady,” Kjar told People.

Bunny Levine Made the Transition From the Classroom to the Camera

Bunny Levine was born Bernice Levine in Orange, New Jersey. Before becoming an actress, she pursued a very different career path. She earned master’s degrees from New York University and Columbia University before working as a teacher and school librarian.

It was only after taking early retirement that she devoted herself fully to acting. One of her first film appearances came in the 1990 comedy "Cadillac Man", starring Robin Williams and Tim Robbins. On television, she went on to appear in productions including "You Wrote It, You Watch It" and later "Law & Order".

Actors Connection Was Also Part of Her Legacy

Levine made an impact not only in front of the camera but also behind the scenes. In 1991, she and her husband, Bernard S. Levine, founded Actors Connection in New York City, an organization dedicated to helping actors launch and develop their careers.

Following her death, the organization paid tribute to Levine and her lifelong commitment to supporting performers.

“Actors Connection honors the life and contributions of Bunny Levine… Her passion for helping actors has launched countless careers,” the organization said in a statement, according to Deadline.

Levine not only appeared on stages and sets herself but also helped countless other performers pursue their dreams.

Roles in Ugly Betty, Criminal Minds, and La La Land

After her husband’s death in 2003, Levine moved to Los Angeles, where she continued to build her acting career. Over the years, she appeared in numerous productions, including “Ugly Betty,” “Criminal Minds,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Raising Hope,” “New Girl,” “Shameless,” and “Sprung.” She also portrayed Mrs. Thompson in "Gilmore Girls".

Levine continued to work in film as well. She appeared alongside Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in "La La Land", as well as in the Adam Sandler films "You Don’t Mess with the Zohan" and "Sandy Wexler". Her most recent credits include "The Cure" and "Achiever".

Bunny Levine Leaves Behind a Lasting Legacy

Levine was known for her remarkable dedication to acting. She had dreamed of performing from an early age and continued working in film and television for decades.

Beyond her professional achievements, she leaves behind her children, Marty, Francie, and Joe, and her grandchildren, Robin and Jeffrey.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, at the Jewish Memorial Chapel in Clifton, New Jersey.

Bunny Levine’s story is a testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue a passion—and that a remarkable artistic career can begin at any stage of life.