Louis Levy

Louis Levy of Alexandria, VA passed away on December 23. He was 86 years old. Louis was an actor, voice over talent, cabaret singer, and songwriter for many years. He performed as the Rabbi in "Bernie's Bar Mitzvah", on Broadway, in Baltimore, MD and Louisville, KY. He appeared in numerous theatrical productions in the D.C. Metro area and in over thirty feature films. Well known for his outgoing, affable, enthusiastic personality, Louis was a member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the National Speakers Association, DC Cabaret Network, Hexagon and the Television Internet and Video Association (TIVA) which awarded him the Peer Award for his public service announcement on motorcycle safety. The Mid-Atlantic region of the Songwriters Association of America provided him an award for one of his works.

Until his retirement in 1984 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Louis managed a pilot program to help low-and-moderate income families obtain and maintain housing. He also served in the U.S. Army.

Louis was born to Evelyn and Markham Levy of Louisville, KY and graduated from Louisville Male High School where he was later inducted into its Hall of Fame. He attended the University of Louisville and graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He was a proud Kentucky Colonel and Almas Shriner. In his earlier years he was an avid tennis player and swimmer.

Active in Jewish community activities, Louis was a member of the Washington Hebrew Congregation, the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington, and the Southern Jewish Historical Society. Just three years ago, at the age of 83, he was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah.

He remained involved in the Louisville Jewish community and was a long-time member of The Temple, where he established the Levy Great Hall for educational and social programs. He also belonged to the Jewish Community Center (JCC), where he received the President's Award for his unique contributions. He founded the Annual Louisville Jewish Film Festival which will mark its 20th anniversary in February. He considered this to be one of his most important accomplishments.

Louis is survived by his wife Wilma Probst Levy, who treasures him as a loving, kind and caring man with a positive, mental attitude toward everything he approached. He was known for his winning smile and great sense of humor. He was totally devoted to Wilma during her illness two years ago. Louis was Wilma's true Soulmate.

Donations may be sent to the Louis Levy and Wilma Probst Levy Film and Theatre Arts Fund at the JCC of Louisville, the Louis, Evelyn and Markham Levy Visual Arts Fund at The Temple of Louisville, or to the Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington, D.C. Funeral services will be held in Louisville, KY. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Washington, D.C.