Floyd Levine, a prolific character actor known for his appearances in television shows including “Baywatch,” “Melrose Place” and “The Dukes of Hazzard,” died Sunday, August 24, 2025, at age 93. The veteran performer passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family, according to his daughter-in-law, Tracy Robbins, who announced his death on Instagram.
Levine appeared in approximately 100 films and television projects throughout his five-decade career, which began in the early 1970s. Born on February 23, 1932, in New York City, he initially worked as a taxi driver while raising three children in Brooklyn with his wife, Rochelle, before pursuing his Hollywood dreams in California.
His first credited role came in 1972’s crime drama “Super Fly.” Throughout the mid-1970s, Levine secured a string of police officer roles in notable films including “Death Wish,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” and “Abduction.” By the late 1970s, he had expanded into television work with appearances on “Starsky and Hutch” and “Wonder Woman.”
After moving his family to Los Angeles in 1979, Levine’s television career flourished. He appeared in episodes of “The A-Team” as Carmine and “The Dukes of Hazzard” as Mr. Baldwin during the 1980s. His work on “Murder, She Wrote” included two separate appearances, first as Archie Miles in 1985 and later as Harry Krumholtz in 1989.
One of Levine’s most recognized roles came in 1998 when he portrayed a crime gang boss in Baywatch. He also appeared in six episodes of “Melrose Place” as Dr. Howard Stein and made guest appearances on shows including “Kojak,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “The Love Boat,” “Three’s Company,” and “Days of Our Lives.”
Levine frequently collaborated with his son Brian Robbins, a director and former Paramount Pictures CEO who adopted his mother’s maiden name upon entering the entertainment industry. The father-son duo appeared together in separate episodes of “Archie Bunker’s Place” in 1981 and 1982, and shared the screen in 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 appeared in multiple projects directed by his son, including Nickelodeon’s “Cousin Skeeter,” “Kenan & Kel,” and the film “Good Burger.” His film work expanded to include roles in “Coach Carter,” “Norbit,” and “Meet Dave.” In “Norbit,” he played Abe the Tailor, while one of his final notable performances was as an unnamed tailor in 2009’s “The Hangover,” appearing alongside Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, and Justin Bartha.
His final acting role came in the 2012 comedy “A Thousand Words” starring Eddie Murphy. Throughout his career, Levine typically portrayed minor characters, including police officers, detectives, tailors, doctors, and various authority figures.
Tracy Robbins described her father-in-law as someone who loved Frank Sinatra, classic films, and making everyone laugh. She noted that he was the best father-in-law, grandfather, and all-around jokester. In her Instagram tribute, she stated, “I would like to think there’s a casting call in heaven, and you showed up early, script in hand.”
Brian Robbins recently departed his position as chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures in early August 2025, following the company’s merger with Skydance Media. Tracy Robbins indicated that Brian resembled his father closely, noting that the family would see Floyd’s grin every time they looked at Brian.
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 held burial services on Wednesday following his death.
Celebrity friends and fans offered condolences following the announcement. Kris Jenner commented on Tracy Robbins’ Instagram post, expressing sorrow for the family’s loss and sending prayers and love. Other notable figures, including designer June Ambrose and actress Gabrielle Union, also paid their respects in the comments section.
Tracy Robbins concluded her tribute by expressing confidence that Levine was making the angels laugh and had reunited with his beloved wife, Rochelle. She promised to continue caring for Brian, noting that Floyd had always done things his own way until the very end, reflecting his Brooklyn origins and love for Frank Sinatra music.
