Born Bernice Levine on December 22, 1928, in East Orange, New Jersey, she had dreamed about performing since childhood. But rather than immediately pursuing entertainment, Levine devoted much of her early adult life to education.
She earned master’s degrees from both New York University and Columbia University and spent approximately 25 years working as a school librarian.
Then came 1985.
Levine retired from education, but instead of settling into a quieter life, she finally gave herself permission to pursue the ambition she had carried for decades.
Nearly 60 years old, she began auditioning.
Slowly, the former librarian started accumulating credits. Early appearances included Cadillac Man and Law & Order, and before long, Levine discovered that she had a particular talent for memorable character roles.
One of her more unusual early television appearances came on The Dr. Ruth Show. Levine portrayed a widow seeking advice about beginning a romantic relationship after losing her husband.
Years later, she remembered the experience with characteristic humor.
