Bunny Levine

Bernice "Bunny" Levine ( Utal; December 22, 1928 – August 20, 2026) was an American actress whose career flourished late in life, with appearances in television series such as Gilmore Girls and films including La La Land and You Don't Mess With the Zohan. Before entering Hollywood, she worked for more than two decades as a school librarian, only pursuing acting seriously after retirement.

Early life and career

Bernice Utal was born in East Orange, New Jersey, on December 22, 1928. She was Jewish.

Her first film role came in the cult horror comedy Slime City (1988), followed by a small part in Cadillac Man (1990). After the death of her husband in 2003, Levine moved to Los Angeles and began acting full-time. She quickly became a familiar face in guest roles across American television, appearing in Law & Order, Everybody Loves Raymond, Ugly Betty, Private Practice, Criminal Minds, 2 Broke Girls, Raising Hope, Southland, New Girl, Shameless, Fuller House, and The Mindy Project.

Levine's film credits include The Jimmy Show (2001), A Thousand Words (2012), La La Land (2016), and several collaborations with Adam Sandler, such as You Don't Mess With the Zohan (2008), Sandy Wexler (2017), and You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023). Even in her nineties, Levine continued working, with roles in The Invisible Raptor (2023), Sacramento (2024), and Thelma (2024).

Personal life and death Levine was married to Bernard Levine until his death in 2003. They had three children together. She was also the founder of Actors Connection, established in 1991, which provided training and networking opportunities for aspiring performers.

Bunny Levine died in her sleep at her home in Tarzana, California, on August 20, 2026, at the age of 97.

Filmography

Film Slime City (1988) – Ruby Cadillac Man (1990) – Woman Customer Taxman (1998) – Jury Foreman The Jimmy Show (2001) – Fireplace Woman A Very Serious Person (2006) – Mrs. Nadel Love Comes Lately (2007) – Max's Neighbor You Don't Mess With the Zohan (2008) – Older Lady in Salon Play the Game (2009) – Claire Cranston In My Sleep (2010) – Rachel Walk a Mile in My Pradas (2011) – Sister Betty Let Go (2011) – Mrs. Grossman A Thousand Words (2012) – Woman on Pier La La Land (2016) – Movie Theater Cashier Sandy Wexler (2017) – Sandy's Grandmother You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023) – Bella Love Virtually (2023) – Viv's Grandma The Invisible Raptor (2023) – Dorothy Sacramento (2024) – Mrs. Krenshaw Thelma (2024) – Mona Omi (2026) – Omi The Cure (2026) – Mrs. Polanski

Television Law & Order (1999) – Irene Drummond Everybody Loves Raymond (2003) – Hilda Gilmore Girls (2004) – Mrs. Thompson Ugly Betty (2007) – Mabel Private Practice (2007) – Old Lady Criminal Minds (2009) – Martha Woodley 2 Broke Girls (2011) – Mrs. Cohen / Helen Raising Hope (2011–2012) – Old Lady / Olivia New Girl (2013) – Shirley Southland (2013) – Old Woman The Mindy Project (2015) – Bryant's Grandmother Fuller House (2018) – Old Woman Shameless (2021) – Mrs. McCurdy Sprung (2022) - Natalie