Richard Belzer, comic who played Munch on ‘L&O: SVU’
Richard Belzer, a revered actor and comedian known for playing wisecracking detective John Munch on numerous TV series — including “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” — reportedly has died. He was 78.
Belzer died Sunday at his home in Bozouls, France, comedy writer Bill Scheft told the Hollywood Reporter.
Before making a name for himself on the small screen, Belzer performed stand-up at comedy clubs such as Pip’s, the Improv and Catch a Rising Star in New York City. He also served as a warm-up act on “Saturday Night Live” in the early days of the sketch comedy program.
Belzer debuted the beloved character of John Munch on the 1990s crime drama “Homicide: Life on the Street” before reprising the role for “Homicide: The Movie” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” His portrayal of the sarcastic Munch was so popular, Belzer also made cameos and guest appearances as the witty investigator in a number of other shows, including “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “30 Rock,” “The Wire,” “Arrested Development” and “The X-Files.”
During his career, Belzer’s Munch surpassed Kelsey Grammer’s Dr. Frasier Crane of “Cheers” and James Arness’ Marshal Matt Dillon of “Gunsmoke” as the most prolific TV character of all time.
After Munch retired on a landmark episode of “SVU” in 2013, Belzer penned a heartfelt essay bidding farewell to his onscreen alter ego for HuffPost. He returned to the show, however, for one final appearance in 2016.
“I am truly blessed to have been in the company of so many remarkable people for such a long time!” Belzer wrote in 2013.
“Yes, I am sad. Yes, it’s bittersweet. But after 21 years, smart money is on Munch not totally disappearing from the face of the earth. If Sherlock Holmes can survive the Reichenbach Falls then surely we have not seen the last of Detective Sergeant John Munch.”
In a statement shared on Instagram, “SVU” star Mariska Hargitay remembered Belzer as a “dear, dear friend.” Christopher Meloni, who plays detective Elliot Stabler on “SVU,” also tweeted “Good bye mon ami. I love you,” in honor of his late co-star.
“I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world,” said Hargitay, who plays detective Olivia Benson on “SVU.”
Prolific TV producer Dick Wolf, who created “SVU,” hailed Belzer as a “consummate professional” who “brought humor and joy into all our lives.”
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, 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.