In Memoriam

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

Richard Belzer, an actor most famous for his tv role as Detective John Munch on Law & Order SVU, has died.

Published

3 years ago

February 19, 2023

Richard Belzer Taken at the White House Correspondents Dinner on May 9, 2009 (Photo by Jay Tamboli/https://www.flickr.com/photos/jaytamboli/3518756056/ | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Richard_Belzer_4-5_(cropped).JPG)

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 actor found mainstream success with his tv roles on:

NBC’s Homicide: Life on the Street
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Belzer instantly became an identifiable and beloved as his character, police detective John Munch.

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Unheard Voices, an award-winning, family owned online news magazine, began in 2004 as a community newsletter serving Neptune, Asbury Park, and Long Branch, N.J. Over time, it grew into a nationally recognized Black-owned media outlet. The publication remains one of the few dedicated to covering social justice issues. Its honors include the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and multiple media innovator awards for excellence in social justice reporting and communications.