Floyd Levine, who appeared in hit shows like “Baywatch” and “The Dukes of Hazzard” throughout his storied on-screen career, has passed away. He was 93.
The beloved actor’s daughter-in-law, Tracy Robbins, announced the sad news in an emotional Instagram post on Monday, Aug. 25.
Robbins revealed that Levine died “peacefully” and “surrounded by his beautiful family” on Sunday, Aug. 24. She added that he passed away “probably wishing someone would bring him a martini.”
“The best father-in-law, grandpa, and all around jokester, Floyd loved Frank Sinatra, classic films, and making everyone laugh,” she wrote.
Levine’s son and Robbins’ husband, Brian Robbins, is famous in his own right. After pursuing an acting career like his father, he became the chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures before leaving earlier this month amid its merger with Skydance, per The Hollywood Reporter.
“Brian is basically his twin, and we will see Floyd’s grin every time we look at him,” Levine’s daughter-in-law continued. “I will miss his humor, his stories, and his F bombs that Stella made a lot of money off of!”
“I would like to think there’s a casting call in heaven, and you showed up early, script in hand,” she added.
Born in New York City in 1932, Levine initially worked as a taxi driver while raising his three children in Brooklyn with his wife, Rochelle.
The prolific character actor’s first credited role came in 1972 when Levine was cast in the crime drama “Super Fly.”
After securing more roles in popular TV shows like “Wonder Woman” and “Starsky & Hutch,” as well as bit parts as cops in films like 1974’s “Death Wish” and “Dog Day Afternoon” one year later, Levine and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1979.
Throughout the 1980s, Levine appeared in episodes of “The A-Team” as Carmine and “The Dukes of Hazzard” as Mr. Baldwin.
His on-screen acting career continued, and he made two separate appearances in the Angela Lansbury-led mystery series “Murder, She Wrote,” first as Archie Miles in 1985 and then as Harry Krumholtz in 1989.
One of Levine’s most famous roles came in 1998 when he made a one-episode appearance on “Baywatch” as a crime gang boss.
He also crossed paths with his son Brian, whom the New York Times reported had adopted his mother’s maiden name at Levine’s suggestion, in shows like “Archie Bunker’s Place” and “Head of the Class.”
Before his final acting role in the 2012 Eddie Murphy flick “A Thousand Words,” Levine appeared in “The Hangover” in 2009.
Although the actor’s role in the popular comedy went uncredited, he appeared as an unnamed tailor in a scene with Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha.
“I will miss him dearly, but i know he’s making the angels laugh already and back together with his beautiful wife Rochelle,” Levine’s daughter-in-law wrote in her touching post.
“Don’t worry, I will take care of your baby boy always and forever,” she concluded. “Love you grandpa. And yes…you always did it your way to the very end.”
Tributes, meanwhile, have poured in for Levine following the news of his death – including one from Kris Jenner.
“So sorry for your loss Tracy and Brian,” the 69-year-old momager wrote. “We are sending prayers for the family and lots of love.”
“Love these photos, they capture his life so well,” another person commented.
“So sorry for your loss,” penned a third. “Mr. Levine was very nice to me. Please give my condolences to Brian.”
