Bunny Levine, ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ and ‘Shameless’ Actress, Dies at 97
In her 60s, Levine made a career change from librarian to character actress and landed roles in dozens of hit films and TV shows The post Bunny Levine, ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ and ‘Shameless’ Actress, Dies at 97 appeared first on TheWrap .
Bunny Levine, the versatile character actress who graced television and film screens with her presence from shows like "Gilmore Girls" to "Everybody Loves Raymond," and iconic movies such as "La La Land," has departed from this world at the venerable age of 97, as confirmed by recent reports. Born Bernice Levine in the picturesque town of Orange, New Jersey, her journey into the world of acting took a detour after she retired from her career as a school librarian in her 60s. She returned to the stage in her golden years, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
In an interview with Mel Magazine, Levine shared intriguing anecdotes about her early TV credits, recounting how her role on the "The Dr. Ruth Show" led some to mistakenly believe her husband had passed away. Her career trajectory included roles in films such as the 1990 black comedy "Cadillac Man," and appearances on series like "Law & Order" and the 2000s saw her take on risqué roles following her memorable sketch on "Chappelle's Show."
Her transition into more comedic character roles was not by design but rather coincidental, as she expressed in her interview, noting that she found humor in these parts, which seemed to be a significant part of her newfound acting success.
Levine's credits also include notable appearances in series like "Gilmore Girls," "Criminal Minds," and "Shameless." Her final role in 2024 was in the film "Thelma," where she played a friend of June Squibb's character, stealing a gun from her. She was not only a talented actress but also a pillar of support for aspiring actors, co-founding the New York-based Actors Connection with her late husband Bernard in 1991.
The organization, which continues under new leadership, provides invaluable assistance to actors through coaching, casting advice, and networking opportunities. Levine's legacy lives on through her work and the impact she had on the careers of many. She is survived by her children Marty, Francie, and Joe, along with her grandchildren Robin and Jeffrey.
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