Richard Belzer died Sunday, February 19, at his home in France. The actor is 78 years old.
writer Bill Scheftlongtime friend Belzer, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday. “He had a lot of health problems, and his last words were, ‘F–k you, motherf–ker,'” Scheft said.
Belzer began his career as a stand-up comic before landing roles in movies. He made his debut in The Groove Tube (1974) before scoring small parts in several iconic films, including famous (1980) and Scarface (1983).
However, his most famous role is as Detective John Munch. He began his role in Murder: Life on the Street in 1993 and appeared in 119 episodes of the series until it ended in 1999. Belzer then played Munch in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from 1999 to 2016, appeared in 242 episodes of the NBC drama. His character is also seen in the The X-Files, Cord and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Law & Order creator Dick Wolf paid tribute to Belzer in a statement Friday. “Detective Richard Belzer John Munch is one of the great characters on television,” Wolf said variety. “I first worked with Richard on the ‘Law & Order’/’Homicide’ crossover and fell in love with the character, I told Tom. [Fontana] that I wanted to make him one of the original characters in ‘SVU.’ The rest is history. Richard brought humor and joy to all of our lives, was the consummate professional and we will all miss him dearly.
NBC and Universal Television also released statements shortly after Belzer’s death made headlines. “Anyone who enjoys watching Richard Belzer portray Det. John Munch – what in Murder or Law & Order: SVU – more than forty years will not forget how he lived in the characters he loved to create his own, “said the network. “Professionalism, talent and dedication to the job made him a pillar in the industry, but humor, compassion and heart that love that makes them family. Our condolences to our loved ones as we join in mourning them, but also celebrate their memories.
In addition to his stand-up and acting career, the Connecticut native is a writer. He published it How to Become a Stand-Up Comic in 1988 as well as the 2000s UFOs, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don’t Have to Be Crazy to Believe, one of several conspiracy books he authored. He also wrote 2008 I’m Not A Cop!: A Novelwhich tells the fictional story of an actor – named Richard Belzer – who becomes a TV cop – named Munch – and investigates a gruesome murder.
Belzer is married to Gail Susan Ross from 1966 to 1972 and then married Catch Danoch from 1976 to 1978. He met Harley McBride Kab, a Playboy model, in 1983. They married in 1985, making Belzer stepfather to McBride’s daughters from a previous marriage, Jessica and Bree Benton. Belzer is survived by his wife and stepson.
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