Floyd Levine, a prolific character actor who appeared in nearly 100 television shows and films over five decades, died Sunday, August 24, at age 93. Levine passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
His daughter-in-law Tracy Robbins announced the news on Instagram on Monday, August 25, describing him as the best father-in-law, grandpa, and all-around jokester who loved Frank Sinatra, classic films, and making everyone laugh. Robbins noted that Levine died “probably wishing someone would bring him a martini.”
Born February 23, 1932, in New York City, Levine initially worked as a taxi driver while raising three children in Brooklyn with his wife Rochelle. He began pursuing his Hollywood dreams in the early 1970s, securing his first credited role as a police officer in the 1972 crime drama “Super Fly.”
Throughout the mid-1970s, Levine appeared in several notable films, including “Death Wish,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” and “Bloodbrothers.” He frequently played police officers, detectives, and other minor characters during this period. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1979 as his career expanded.
Levine’s television career included appearances on classic series such as “Kojak,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “Wonder Woman,” and “The A-Team.” He made two separate appearances on “Murder, She Wrote,” playing Archie Miles in 1985 and Harry Krumholtz in 1989. His role as Desk Sergeant Lubin spanned three episodes of “Cagney & Lacey.”
One of his most memorable television roles came in 1998 when he appeared on “Baywatch” as a crime gang boss. He also had a recurring role as Dr. Howard Stein in six episodes of “Melrose Place” and appeared as Mr. Baldwin in a 1984 episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Levine was the father of Brian Robbins, who became a successful director, producer, and former chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures before leaving earlier this month amid the company’s merger with Skydance. Brian adopted his mother’s maiden name at his father’s suggestion when entering the entertainment industry.
The father-son duo collaborated on multiple projects throughout their careers. They both appeared in separate episodes of “Archie Bunker’s Place” in 1981 and 1982, and worked together on a 1989 episode of the ABC sitcom “Head of the Class,” where Floyd played a judge and Brian portrayed student Eric Mardian.
Later in his career, Levine frequently appeared in projects directed or produced by his son, including Nickelodeon’s “Cousin Skeeter,” “Kenan & Kel,” and “Good Burger,” where he played an ice cream man. He also had roles in Brian’s films “Coach Carter,” “Norbit,” “Meet Dave,” and “A Thousand Words.”
Among his notable film appearances was an uncredited role as a tailor in the 2009 comedy “The Hangover,” appearing in a scene with Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, and Justin Bartha. He also played Abe the Tailor in Eddie Murphy’s “Norbit.”
His final on-screen performance came in 2012’s “A Thousand Words,” marking the end of a career that began 40 years earlier. Throughout his extensive filmography, Levine built a reputation as a reliable character actor who brought authenticity to every role, regardless of size.
Tracy Robbins described Brian as essentially his father’s twin, noting that the family would see Floyd’s grin every time they looked at him. She expressed that she would miss his humor, stories, and colorful language, indicating that there was a casting call in heaven and Floyd showed up early with a script in hand.
Levine is survived by his sons Brian and Marc, daughter Sheryl, and several grandchildren. His wife Rochelle died in May 2022 at age 85. The family laid him to rest on Wednesday, August 28.
Tributes poured in following the announcement, including condolences from Kris Jenner, who expressed prayers and love for the family. Tracy Robbins concluded her tribute by promising to take care of Brian always and forever, acknowledging that Floyd always did everything his way to the very end.
