Mariska Hargitay, Billy Crystal and more stars are mourning Richard Belzer after he died Sunday, February 19, at age 78 — see reactions
Richard Belzer died Sunday, February 19, at his home in France. The actor was 78.
Writer Bill Scheft, a longtime friend of Belzer, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday. “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F–k you, motherf–ker,’” Scheft said.
Belzer started his career as a stand-up comic before landing roles in films. He made his debut in The Groove Tube (1974) before scoring small parts in many iconic movies, including Fame (1980) and Scarface (1983).
His most well known role, however, was as Detective John Munch. He originated the role on Homicide: Life on the Street in 1993 and appeared in 119 episodes of the series until it ended in 1999. Belzer then played Munch on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from 1999 to 2016, appearing in 242 episodes of the NBC drama. His character also made appearances on The X-Files, The Wire and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Law & Order creator Dick Wolf paid his respects to Belzer in a statement on Sunday.
