Beloved Bergen County Educator Who Starred in ‘Gilmore Girls’ & ‘Law & Order’ Passes Away
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Teaneck NJ, Bernice “Bunny” Levine, a beloved former Bergen County educator who traded the classroom for Hollywood set lights later in life, has passed away at the age of 97 at her home in Tarzana, California.
Born in Orange, New Jersey, Levine earned master’s degrees from both NYU and Columbia University. She spent decades inspiring local youth as a school teacher and librarian in Teaneck, New Jersey, while raising her three children—Marty, Francie, and Joe.
A Second Act in Hollywood
After taking an early retirement from education, Levine took a bold step toward a lifelong passion: acting.
Over a four-decade screen career, she became a recognizable character actress, regularly appearing in popular television series and films including Gilmore Girls, 2 Broke Girls, and Law & Order. Fans of Gilmore Girls fondly remember her role as Mrs. Thompson, the memorable character who famously told diner owner Luke Danes to move his boat so she could head to a nursing home.
In addition to her on-screen work, Levine and her husband of 53 years, Bernard “Bernie” S. Levine, co-founded the Actors Connection in New York City, helping launch and support the careers of countless aspiring performers.
Remembered by the Bergen County Community
Former students and local residents took to social media to share warm memories of Levine’s impact on their lives:
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“Mrs. Levine was an amazing teacher and nurtured my love of reading and theater,” shared one former student on Facebook.
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“I will never forget her,” wrote another community member.
Memorial & Service Details
Levine is survived by her three children, two grandchildren, Robin and Jeffrey, and a legacy of uplifting students and fellow actors alike.
Services will be held back in her home state of New Jersey at the Jewish Memorial Chapel in Clifton, NJ, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
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Tags: Bergen County News, Teaneck NJ, Celebrity News, Gilmore Girls, Bunny Levine, New Jersey Obituaries, Actors Connection
