NEED TO KNOW
Floyd Levine, a prolific character actor who appeared in Baywatch, The Dukes of Hazzard, Good Burger and The Hangover, has died. He was 93.
Levine died while “surrounded by his beautiful family” on Sunday, Aug. 24, his daughter-in-law Tracy Robbins announced on Instagram. She described him as the “best father-in-law, grandpa, and all-around jokester” who loved “making everyone laugh.”
The actor has appeared in roughly 100 films and television projects since the early ’70s, according to IMDB, with some of his notable works including a six-episode stint on Melrose Place, a 1984 appearance on The Dukes of Hazzard and an appearance on Baywatch in the late ’90s.
“Here’s to my forever Brooklyn boy, Floyd, may the martinis be cold and the Sinatra songs never end,” Robbins wrote in her caption. “I would like to think there’s a casting call in heaven, and you showed up early, script in hand.”
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Levine, who was born in New York City, got his start as a taxi driver in the city before “chasing Hollywood dreams,” his daughter-in-law shared.
His first credited role was as a police officer in 1972’s Super Fly, before he landed a string of additional cop roles in the mid ’70s (Death Wish, Dog Day Afternoon, Abduction). Toward the end of the decade, Levine took on various additional TV roles, including gigs on both Starsky and Hutch and Wonder Woman.
Levine, who also played a gang boss in a 1998 episode of Baywatch and appeared in an episode of Dukes 14 years prior, shared three children with wife Rochelle — including director and executive Brian Robbins. The pair appeared on screen together in a 1989 episode of ABC sitcom Head of the Class.
Later in his career, Levine appeared in multiple projects helmed by his son, including Nickelodeon’s Cousin Skeeter, Kenan & Kel and Good Burger — as well as ’00s films including Coach Carter, Norbit and Meet Dave.
One of his final performances came in 2008 as a tailor in The Hangover.
To commemorate her father-in-law, Tracy shared several snaps of him throughout the years, including glimpses of his television appearances and Levine playing with his grandchildren.
He’s survived by his daughter Sheryl, sons Marc and Brian and several grandchildren, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Levine’s wife, Rochelle, died in May 2022.
“I will miss him dearly, but I know he’s making the angels laugh already and back together with his beautiful wife Rochelle (give her the biggest squeeze from us),” his daughter-in-law wrote on Instagram. “Don’t worry, I will take care of your baby boy always and forever. Love you grandpa. And yes….you always did it your way to the very end.”
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Several friends, fans and loved ones remembered Levine in the comments section of Tracy’s post, including designer June Ambrose, Gabrielle Union and Kris Jenner.
“So sorry for your loss Tracy and Brian… we are sending prayers for the family and lots of love ❤️ 💔,” Jenner wrote.