Actor Richard Belzer, who parlayed his stand-up comedy chops into a career playing the iconic role of police detective John Munch in NBC’s “Homicide: Life on the Street” and the “Law & Order” franchise, died Sunday. He was 78.
Mr. Belzer was at his winter home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France, with his wife, former actress Harlee McBride, and stepchildren when he died, his longtime friend Bill Scheft told The Washington Post. Scheft, who was making a documentary about Mr. Belzer, said he had had circulatory and respiratory health issues for the last few years of his life.
News of his death, first reported by the Hollywood Reporter, has led to an outpouring of tributes from friends and colleagues in television and comedy who remember Mr. Belzer for his role as the beloved Munch, as well as a storied career as a stand-up comic. Comedian Billy Crystal called him “a genius at handling a crowd.” Actress Marlee Matlin described him as “one of the most kindest and welcoming actors” when she was a guest on “SVU.” Actor Henry Winkler wrote “Rest in peace Richard.” Several shared his most famous moments, including the time he was knocked out by wrestler Hulk Hogan.
Scheft said Mr. Belzer drew less attention for his comedic roles than he did as a detective, but that his stand-up had inspired other comedians for decades.
“He is known throughout the world as this character, Munch, who was the longest-running character in television when he retired,” Scheft said. “And yet he is not known before that as one of the most influential stand-up comics in the late ’70s. He was legendary.”
Dick Wolf, the creator of “Law & Order,” said in a tribute post on Instagram that he had first worked with Mr. Belzer on a crossover episode of “Law & Order” and “Homicide” and loved the character of Munch so much that he wanted to make him part of “SVU. The rest is history,” Wolf wrote.
“Richard brought humor and joy into all our lives, was the consummate professional, and we will all miss him very much,” Wolf said.
Mr. Belzer, born in Bridgeport, Conn., struggled with what he called a “bitter childhood.” His abusive mother died when he was 20, and his father killed himself four years later. He took on odd jobs, including a stint as a writer for the Bridgeport Post newspaper.
In 1971, Mr. Belzer decided to try out for a part in an underground theater production advertised in the Village Voice. That role launched his career. He took on other jobs as a stand-up comic, including on “Saturday Night Live” when it was launched in 1975.
Source: BBC
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