Jay Levine, a respected figure in Canadian television and the creator and longtime producer of Fashion Television, has died at the age of 69. Levine passed away on September 1, 2026, leaving family, friends, former colleagues and members of Toronto’s media community mourning the loss of a creative professional whose career helped shape Canadian broadcasting.
Levine was widely recognized for his work on Fashion Television, a program that became closely associated with his distinctive creative vision and approach to television production. Through his years in broadcasting, he established himself as an important presence within Toronto’s media industry and earned the respect and affection of many people who worked alongside him.
Those who knew Levine personally remembered more than his professional achievements. Friends and former colleagues described him as warm, humorous and generous, with an ability to bring energy and laughter into the lives of people around him. His relationships with those he encountered throughout his career became an important part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Levine’s contribution to Canadian television extended beyond the programs he helped create and produce. His creativity and dedication helped establish a body of work that became part of the country’s media landscape, while his influence could also be seen in the professional relationships he developed throughout his career.
For members of Toronto’s broadcasting community, his death represents the loss of a familiar and respected figure. Colleagues who shared studios, production environments and countless professional experiences with Levine are now reflecting on the moments they spent together and the personality that made him memorable.
According to his memorial notice, Levine’s Hebrew name was Yakov Ben Nachmum Leib. A graveside funeral service is scheduled for September 4, 2026, at Roselawn Cemetery in Toronto, where family members, friends and loved ones will gather to honour his life and pay their respects.
As those closest to Levine prepare to say goodbye, they will remember both the professional accomplishments that defined much of his public life and the personal qualities that made him cherished by those who knew him away from the cameras.
His career left a lasting mark on Canadian television, but for family and friends, Jay Levine will ultimately be remembered as a person whose humour, warmth, generosity and friendship made a difference in their lives.
Levine leaves behind memories that will continue through the people he loved, the colleagues he inspired and the television legacy he helped create. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter for those who knew him and for a Canadian broadcasting community that will remember his creativity and contribution for years to come.
