The cynical “Law & Order” detective John Munch, played by comedian Richard Belzer, has passed away at the age of 78. The Hollywood Reporter was informed by his friend and writer Bill Scheft that Belzer passed away early on Sunday at his house in Bozouls, France.
The actor was well-known for playing the wisecracking and weathered Munch on several shows, such as “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Law & Order: SVU,” and he also had guest appearances on other programs including “The X Files.” Belzer played Munch for 23 years, from 1993 to 2016, when he announced his acting retirement. Also, he played Munch in many television programs like “The Wire” and “Arrested Development.”
Former “Late Show with David Letterman” writer Scheft stated that Belzer had several health concerns and that his final words were “F-k you, motherf-er” before he passed away. The “Howard Stern Show” appearances of the sardonic comedian helped him get more followers.
Belzer stated in The Comic’s Comic in 2008 after thinking back on his time as Munch. “I never requested to be on anyone’s show. The fact that I’m portrayed in a script and that people find me to be such a loving and sarcastic investigator is therefore doubly flattering to me. He’s a terrific character for me to play, so it’s fun for me, much to my enjoyment. So I’m not at all bothered by my typecast,” he remarked.
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In a subsequent interview, Belzer claimed that, although he insisted he would never be a detective, his character of Munch is “quite near to how I would be.” It’s a lot of fun for me since they write about all of my conspiracy theories, anti-establishment dissonance, and paranoia. It’s like a dream. Belzer was a well-known conspiracy theorist who wrote books about the assassination of JFK, Aliens, and Elvis Presley.
Belzer was well renowned for his humor, but tragedy marred his life. He was born in 1944 and raised in Connecticut by an abusive mother who passed away from cancer in 1964. Three years later, his calmer father attempted his life, but Belzer spared him. After that, his father committed suicide. In 2014, his brother also committed suicide.
Testicular cancer treatment Belzer received in 1983 served as the inspiration for his 1997 HBO comedy special “Another Lone Nut,” which used his misery for comic relief. Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch is one of television’s most recognizable characters, according to “Law & Order” creator Dick Wolf, who also said: “Richard brought fun and delight into all of our lives, was the ultimate professional, and we shall all miss him very much.”
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Mariska Hargitay praised her “Law & Order: SVU” co-star. She wrote, “I will miss you, your singular light, and your perspective on this crazy planet. I consider myself fortunate to have known, loved, and collaborated with you for such a long time. Richard Belzer was hysterically funny. Billy Crystal, an actor, director, and comedian, described himself as “a master at controlling a crowd.” “Such a shame he’s gone,”
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An original cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” Laraine Newman, expressed her sadness over his demise on Twitter. “I was in love with this guy. When I moved to New York to perform for SNL, he was one of my first buddies, she said. “We used to have a weekly lobster supper date in Sheepshead Bay. among the most hilarious persons ever. a pro at working crowds. RIP, sweetheart.
Belzer “was always the coolest cat in the room,” the comedian Jeff Ross wrote on the internet. The precise cause of Belzer’s passing was not immediately disclosed. He is survived by his two stepdaughters as well as his third wife, the actress Harlee McBride.
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