Veteran character actor Floyd Levine, known for his appearances in television series including “Baywatch,” “Melrose Place,” and “The Dukes of Hazzard,” died Sunday, August 24, at age 93. Levine passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, according to his daughter-in-law Tracy Robbins, who announced his death on Instagram Tuesday.
Born February 23, 1932, in New York City, Levine began his career as a taxi driver in Brooklyn before pursuing his Hollywood aspirations. His first credited role came in 1972’s “Super Fly,” launching a prolific career that spanned nearly 100 film and television productions according to IMDb.
Throughout the 1970s, Levine frequently portrayed police officers in notable films including “Death Wish,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” and “Abduction.” His television career expanded toward the end of the decade with appearances on “Starsky and Hutch” and “Wonder Woman.” The family relocated to Los Angeles in 1979 as Levine’s acting opportunities grew.
During the 1980s, Levine appeared in episodes of “The A-Team” as Carmine and “The Dukes of Hazzard” as Mr. Baldwin. He made two separate appearances on “Murder, She Wrote,” playing Archie Miles in 1985 and Harry Krumholtz in 1989. His television work also included roles on “Kojak,” “Cagney & Lacey,” and “Days of Our Lives.”
One of Levine’s most recognized roles came in 1998 when he appeared on “Baywatch” as a crime gang boss. He also had a notable stint on “Melrose Place,” appearing in six episodes as Dr. Howard Stein. His film career included appearances in “The Hangover” as an unnamed tailor and “Norbit” as Abe the Tailor.
Levine shared three children with his wife Rochelle, including director and former Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins. The father-son duo frequently collaborated professionally, appearing together in a 1989 episode of ABC’s “Head of the Class” and separate episodes of “Archie Bunker’s Place” in 1981 and 1982.
Brian Robbins, who adopted his mother’s maiden name upon entering the entertainment industry at his father’s suggestion, cast Levine in multiple projects he directed or produced. These collaborations included Nickelodeon’s “Cousin Skeeter,” “Kenan & Kel,” and “Good Burger,” as well as films “Coach Carter,” “Norbit,” and “Meet Dave.” Brian recently departed Paramount Pictures following the company’s merger with Skydance Media.
One of Levine’s final performances came in 2008’s “The Hangover,” where he played a tailor in a scene with Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha. His last credited role was in the 2012 Eddie Murphy film “A Thousand Words.”
Tracy Robbins described her father-in-law as someone who loved Frank Sinatra, classic films, and making people laugh. She noted that Levine was “the best father-in-law, grandpa, and all around jokester” who started as a cab driver before building his acting career in California. Robbins indicated that, “I would like to think there’s a casting call in heaven, and you showed up early, script in hand.”
The family matriarch, Rochelle Levine, preceded Floyd in death, passing away in May 2022 at age 85. Tracy Robbins expressed confidence that Floyd was already making the angels laugh and had reunited with his wife. She assured him that she would care for his son Brian always and forever.
Levine is survived by his daughter Sheryl, sons Marc and Brian, and several grandchildren. The family received condolences from various entertainment figures, including Kris Jenner, who sent prayers and love to the family through social media. Designer June Ambrose and actress Gabrielle Union also offered their sympathies.
Throughout his five-decade career, Levine built a reputation as a reliable character actor who brought authenticity to roles ranging from law enforcement officers to medical professionals to everyday working-class characters. His extensive television credits also included appearances on “Three’s Company,” “The Love Boat,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Mad About You.”
Tracy Robbins commemorated her father-in-law’s life with several photographs spanning his career and family moments, including glimpses of his television appearances and scenes of him playing with his grandchildren. She emphasized his Brooklyn roots and his love for martinis and Sinatra music, noting that he always did things his own way until the very end.
