“Law & Order” Actor and Comedian Richard Belzer Died at 78

Richard Belzer, who portrayed the cynical “Law & Order” detective John Munch, has passed away at the age of 78. His friend and fellow writer Bill Scheft informed The Hollywood Reporter that Belzer passed away early Sunday morning at his home in Bozouls, France.

The actor was well-known for portraying the wisecracking and weathered Munch on a number of shows, including “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Law & Order: SVU,” and he also made guest appearances on other shows, such as “The X Files.” Belzer portrayed Munch from 1993 until 2016, when he announced his retirement from acting. In addition, he portrayed Munch in numerous television series, including “The Wire” and “Arrested Development.”

Former “Late Show with David Letterman” writer Scheft stated that Belzer had multiple health issues and that his last words were “F-ck you, motherf-er” before passing away. The sardonic comedian’s appearances on “The Howard Stern Show” helped him gain more followers.

Belzer stated in 2008’s The Comic’s Comic after reflecting on his time as Munch. “I’ve never asked to appear on anyone’s show. I find it doubly flattering that I am portrayed in a script and that people find me to be such a loving and sarcastic investigator. He is a fantastic character for me to portray, so it is enjoyable for me. “My typecasting does not bother me at all,” he remarked.

In a subsequent interview, Belzer stated that, despite his insistence that he would never be a detective, his character Munch is “quite close to how I would be.” Since they write about all of my conspiracy theories, anti-establishment dissonance, and paranoia, it’s a lot of fun for me. It resembles a dream. Belzer was a renowned conspiracy theorist who authored books about the assassination of John F. Kennedy, extraterrestrials, and Elvis Presley.

His life was marred by tragedy, despite his reputation for wit. Born in 1944 in Connecticut, he was raised by an abusive mother who died of cancer in 1964. Three years later, his more composed father attempted to kill him, but Belzer prevented it. His father committed suicide afterward. His brother also committed suicide in 2014

The 1983 treatment for testicular cancer that Belzer received inspired his 1997 HBO comedy special “Another Lone Nut,” which used his misery as comic relief. According to “Law & Order” creator Dick Wolf, Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch is one of television’s most recognisable characters. Wolf also stated, “Richard brought joy and laughter into our lives, was the epitome of professionalism, and we will all miss him dearly.”

Mariska Hargitay praised her “Law & Order: SVU” co-star in an Instagram post. She wrote, “I will miss your unique light and perspective on this crazy planet. I consider myself fortunate to have known, loved, and worked with you for an extended period of time. Richard Belzer was extremely hilarious. The actor, director, and comedian Billy Crystal described himself as “a master of crowd control.” “What a pity he’s gone,”

Laraine Newman, an original cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” expressed her sadness over his passing on Twitter. “I was infatuated with this man. When I moved to New York to perform on Saturday Night Live, he was one of my first friends, she said. We used to meet weekly in Sheepshead Bay for lobster dinner. among the funniest individuals ever. An expert at managing crowds. Rest in peace, sweetheart.

The comedian Jeff Ross wrote online that Belzer “was always the coolest cat in the room.” Belzer’s exact cause of death was not immediately disclosed. His two stepdaughters and his third wife, the actress Harlee McBride, survive him.