Charles Levin 1949-2019
Charles Herbert Levin (March 12, 1949 –June 28, 2019) was an American actor who appeared in television, movies and on stage.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Levin was best known for the role of Elliot Novak on the series Alice having become a regular in the show's 9th season and the recurring role of Eddie Gregg on Hill Street Blues from 1982 to 1986. Levin was also known for playing the mohel on "The Bris" episode of Seinfeld and Coco, the gay cook, on the pilot episode of The Golden Girls. His part was dropped because the part of Sophia Petrillo (played by actress Estelle Getty) changed from a recurring part to a main character. This was due to the pilot audience's response to her. Levin appeared as a guest star on many television shows including Alice (as Vera's husband Elliot Novak), Capital News (as Vinnie DiSalvo), Family Ties, Tales from the Darkside, The Twilight Zone, The Facts of Life, Falcon Crest (as Arthur Haberman), Punky Brewster (as Officer Bob), Thirtysomething, Night Court, L.A. Law (as Robert Caporale), Designing Women, Murphy Brown, NYPD Blue, and Law & Order.
On July 8, 2019, Charles Levin's son reported to the police that Levin was missing, and he had not been heard from since June 28.
At the time, Levin lived in Grants Pass, Oregon, and was in the process of moving to a new house in the town. Levin's car was found on July 12 on a remote road northeast of Selma, Oregon. His dog, Boo Bear, was deceased inside. A body believed to be Levin's was found a day later. On November 8 the cause of death was made public. Levin fell down a 30 foot steep hill while trying to get help because he was lost. His remains were partially eaten by animals, most likely turkey vultures. On July 15, it was confirmed that the body was Levin's. He was 70 years old. Police are not treating the death as a homicide or suicide, and Levin's son has reported that it is being investigated as accidental.