Bunny Levine, the actress known for her roles in Gilmore Girls and La La Land, has died at the age of 97. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Tarzana, Los Angeles, on Thursday, August 20, according to NBCLA.
Police called to actress's home
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to Levine's address after receiving a call about an 'unresponsive person,' NBC reported. Police confirmed that her death "appeared to be from natural causes." Her agent, Mike Eisenstadt, told NBCLA that Levine died at her Tarzana home on Thursday while sleeping.
Career highlights and legacy
Levine's debut professional acting role came in the 1988 horror comedy Slime City, though she stepped back from the industry to raise her three children. She rose to prominence in her 50s during the 2000s, making a guest appearance on Everybody Loves Raymond in 2004. That same year, she played Mrs Thompson in the series Gilmore Girls.
Levine continued to land parts in various television shows, including Ugly Betty, Private Practice and General Hospital: Night Shift. In 2016, she appeared alongside Mindy Kaling in an episode of The Mindy Project. That same year, she also portrayed a cinema cashier in the film La La Land, which went on to win six Academy Awards.
Tributes from family and fans
In 1991, the actress established Actors Connection with her late husband Bernie. The studio paid tribute to Bunny on Instagram, stating: "Her fierce passion for championing actors helped launch countless careers and built a vibrant community dedicated to serving the artists she loved so deeply. Thank you, Bunny, for your vision, heart, and legacy."
Tributes have been pouring in for the star, with one saying: "A dear friend who in her 90's...was still a huge motivation to all, for her drive & Love for our industry....also a member of the #MayansMC family. Rest in Peace Bunny." Another added: "She was an amazing, kind, sweet person. She will be missed by many."
