In Memoriam: Richard Belzer, SVU actor and comedian, dies at 78

Richard Belzer, a comedian and actor most famous for his tv role as Detective John Munch on Law & Order SVU, has died. He was 78.

Death details for Richard Belzer

Former Saturday Night Live star Laraine Newman was the first to break the news of Belzer’s death, calling him “one of the funniest people ever.” Followed by a post by Belzer’s cousin Henry Winkler.

Belzer died Sunday at his home in Bozouls in southwest France, his longtime friend writer Bill Scheft told The Hollywood Reporter . “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F*** you, motherf*****,’” Scheft told the outlet.

Beloved comedian and actor

The beloved actor, who started out as a standup comedian, found mainstream success with his tv roles on NBC’s Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, becoming instantly identifiable and beloved as his character, police detective John Munch.