Hollywood bids farewell to a TV star (93) from Melrose Place and Baywatch—his smile and roles will be remembered for a lifetime of laughter
- Replies 0
Hollywood has lost one of its most familiar faces—though you might not have known his name, you certainly knew his smile.
From late-night dramas to cult classics, his career spanned over five decades and nearly 100 film and television credits.
Now, at 93, he has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, perseverance, and family.
Born in New York City, Floyd Levine’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t a straight shot down Sunset Boulevard.
Before the bright lights, he was a taxi driver, navigating the bustling streets of the Big Apple. But the call of the stage and screen proved too strong, and soon enough, Floyd was trading in his cab for a script, chasing his dreams all the way to California.
His first credited role came in 1972’s Super Fly, where he played a police officer—a role that would become something of a calling card for him throughout the 1970s.
If there was a cop, detective, or tough guy needed, Floyd was your man. He popped up in gritty classics like Death Wish and Dog Day Afternoon and made memorable appearances on TV staples like Starsky and Hutch and Wonder Woman.
Floyd was never just a background player. He brought warmth, humor, and a twinkle in his eye to every role, whether he was a gang boss on Baywatch in the late ‘90s or a recurring face on Melrose Place. His versatility made him a favorite among casting directors and audiences alike.
Floyd’s Hollywood story is also a family story. He and his beloved wife, Rochelle, who passed away in 2022, raised three children, including Brian Robbins—now a major Hollywood director and executive.
The father-son duo even shared the screen in a 1989 episode of Head of the Class, a moment that surely made for a proud family memory.
Also read: Why The Biggest Loser really disappeared—and what it revealed about weight loss on TV
As Brian’s career blossomed, Floyd became a familiar face in his son’s projects, popping up in Nickelodeon hits like Cousin Skeeter and Kenan & Kel and in films such as Good Burger, Coach Carter, Norbit, and Meet Dave.
One of his final roles was as a tailor in the blockbuster comedy The Hangover (2008), proving that even in his later years, Floyd’s comedic timing was as sharp as ever.
Floyd’s daughter-in-law, Tracy Robbins, shared the news of his passing on Instagram, painting a picture of a man who was as beloved off-screen as he was on.
“I would like to think there’s a casting call in heaven, and you showed up early, script in hand,” she wrote, adding that he was the “best father-in-law, grandpa, and all-around jokester” who loved “making everyone laugh.”
Also read: Baywatch star Nancy Valen steps out in LA—fans praise her low-key transformation
Her tribute was filled with warmth and gratitude, recalling Floyd’s love for cold martinis, Sinatra songs, and his Brooklyn roots.
“Here’s to my forever Brooklyn boy, Floyd, may the martinis be cold and the Sinatra songs never end,” she wrote. “I will miss him dearly, but I know he’s making the angels laugh already and back together with his beautiful wife Rochelle (give her the biggest squeeze from us).”
Tributes poured in from friends and fans alike, with designer June Ambrose, actress Gabrielle Union, and Kris Jenner among those offering condolences.
“So sorry for your loss Tracy and Brian… we are sending prayers for the family and lots of love,” Jenner wrote.
Read next: First known as a movie star’s wife, she became a star in her own story... recognize her?
Did you ever spot Floyd Levine in your favorite show or movie? Do you have a favorite character actor whose work you cherish?
From late-night dramas to cult classics, his career spanned over five decades and nearly 100 film and television credits.
Now, at 93, he has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, perseverance, and family.
Born in New York City, Floyd Levine’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t a straight shot down Sunset Boulevard.
Before the bright lights, he was a taxi driver, navigating the bustling streets of the Big Apple. But the call of the stage and screen proved too strong, and soon enough, Floyd was trading in his cab for a script, chasing his dreams all the way to California.
His first credited role came in 1972’s Super Fly, where he played a police officer—a role that would become something of a calling card for him throughout the 1970s.
If there was a cop, detective, or tough guy needed, Floyd was your man. He popped up in gritty classics like Death Wish and Dog Day Afternoon and made memorable appearances on TV staples like Starsky and Hutch and Wonder Woman.
His comedic personality, qualities that audiences picked up on instantly. Image source: Yahoo News UK
Floyd was never just a background player. He brought warmth, humor, and a twinkle in his eye to every role, whether he was a gang boss on Baywatch in the late ‘90s or a recurring face on Melrose Place. His versatility made him a favorite among casting directors and audiences alike.
Floyd’s Hollywood story is also a family story. He and his beloved wife, Rochelle, who passed away in 2022, raised three children, including Brian Robbins—now a major Hollywood director and executive.
The father-son duo even shared the screen in a 1989 episode of Head of the Class, a moment that surely made for a proud family memory.
Also read: Why The Biggest Loser really disappeared—and what it revealed about weight loss on TV
As Brian’s career blossomed, Floyd became a familiar face in his son’s projects, popping up in Nickelodeon hits like Cousin Skeeter and Kenan & Kel and in films such as Good Burger, Coach Carter, Norbit, and Meet Dave.
One of his final roles was as a tailor in the blockbuster comedy The Hangover (2008), proving that even in his later years, Floyd’s comedic timing was as sharp as ever.
Floyd’s daughter-in-law, Tracy Robbins, shared the news of his passing on Instagram, painting a picture of a man who was as beloved off-screen as he was on.
“I would like to think there’s a casting call in heaven, and you showed up early, script in hand,” she wrote, adding that he was the “best father-in-law, grandpa, and all-around jokester” who loved “making everyone laugh.”
Also read: Baywatch star Nancy Valen steps out in LA—fans praise her low-key transformation
Her tribute was filled with warmth and gratitude, recalling Floyd’s love for cold martinis, Sinatra songs, and his Brooklyn roots.
“Here’s to my forever Brooklyn boy, Floyd, may the martinis be cold and the Sinatra songs never end,” she wrote. “I will miss him dearly, but I know he’s making the angels laugh already and back together with his beautiful wife Rochelle (give her the biggest squeeze from us).”
Tributes poured in from friends and fans alike, with designer June Ambrose, actress Gabrielle Union, and Kris Jenner among those offering condolences.
“So sorry for your loss Tracy and Brian… we are sending prayers for the family and lots of love,” Jenner wrote.
Read next: First known as a movie star’s wife, she became a star in her own story... recognize her?
