The “Law & Order” actor and comic Richard Belzer has gone away. He was 78. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Belzer passed away early on Sunday at his house in Bozouls in southwest France. According to the article, a source informed THR that “he had several health difficulties.”
For many years, Belzer was a prolific comedian who rose to recognition on the television shows “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Homicide: Life on the Street” as Detective John Munch. Belzer, a stand-up comedian who hails from Bridgeport, Connecticut, debuted at New York City’s The Improv and Catch a Rising Star.
He also performed for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” as a comic who warmed up the audience. In popular television programs like “Sesame Street,” “Miami Vice,” “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” and “The X-Files,” Belzer made a number of cameos. Scarface, Fletch Lives, The Bonfire of the Vanities, Mad Dog and Glory, and Get on the Bus are just a few of the movies he featured in.
During an episode of his cable television chat program “Hot Properties” in 1985 that promoted the first-ever “WrestleMania,” Belzer urged guest and wrestler Hulk Hogan to perform some maneuvers before placing the host in a front chin-lock and knocking him out. Belzer suffered a brain injury, sued Hogan, and reached a settlement outside of court.
The issue was discussed with Bob Costas. On Twitter, Belzer received tributes from other artists and other comedians. In a tweet, Billy Crystal said, “Richard Belzer was just funny. an expert in managing crowds. I’m very sorry he’s gone.” Richard Belzer passed away, goddammit, Patton Oswalt tweeted.
Just because it appeared like he was always there, I assumed he would be. A genuine original Richard Belzer passed away, Marc Maron penned. He was very unique. One of the best, my dear. I adored the man. RIP.” Laraine Newman, a former cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” tweeted, “I’m very heartbroken to learn about Richard Belzer’s death. I was in love with this guy.
When I arrived in New York to film SNL, he was one of my first buddies. Every week, we used to eat out at Sheepshead Bay for lobster. among the most hilarious people ever. a pro at working crowds. RIP, sweetheart.
Read a few below.
Aw goddamit, RIP Richard Belzer. I just always thought he’d be around ‘cause it seemed like he always was. A true original. #TheBelzBabe
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 19, 2023
Richard Belzer was a trailblazing comedian who influenced generations of stand-ups. His voice will be missed. pic.twitter.com/qE13OBQX73
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) February 19, 2023
Richard Belzer died. He was an original. One of the greats, babe. I loved the guy. RIP
— marc maron (@marcmaron) February 19, 2023
Rest In Peace dear sweet kind Richard Belzer. Rest In Peace.
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) February 19, 2023
Rest In Peace dear sweet kind Richard Belzer. Rest In Peace.
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) February 19, 2023
So saddened to learn that the fabulous Richard Belzer passed away.Loved working with him for 11 years on SVU. Favorite moments: w Marlee Matlin, Carol Kane, Stephanie March (TaySachs episode) and of course the great Ice-T. Rest in peace, Munch.Your comic genius will last always.
— NealBaer🏳️🌈 (@NealBaer) February 19, 2023