Richard Belzer, best known for his work on ‘Law & Order’ and in the world of standup comedy, has died, according to his close comedy friends. Laraine Newman, an original ‘SNL’ cast member who worked alongside Belzer from the mid-’70s to the ’80s, confirmed the newest news about Belzer’s death on Sunday morning.
“I’m so sad to hear of Richard Belzer’s passing. I loved this guy so much. He was one of my first friends when I got to New York to do SNL.” She continued to write, “We used to go out to dinner every week at Sheepshead Bay for lobster. One of the funniest people ever. A master at crowd work. RIP dearest.”
I'm so sad to hear of Richard Belzer's passing. I loved this guy so much. He was one of my first friends when I got to New York to do SNL. We used to go out to dinner every week at Sheepshead Bay for lobster. One of the funniest people ever. A master at crowd work. RIP dearest. pic.twitter.com/u23co0JPA2
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) February 19, 2023
‘Law & Order’ Star Richard Belzer Dies At The Age Of 78
Belzer was best recognized for his role as Det. John Munch on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ beginning in 1996. For several years, he’d appeared in over 300 episodes of the fan-favorite cop show, portraying the quick-witted and razor-sharp Munch. In 2016, his character was killed off.
His renowned police character existed long before ‘SVU’. Munch had previously appeared on another TV show, the classic hit ‘Homicide,’ where he co-starred with Ned Beatty, Daniel Baldwin, and other major names for seven seasons. Prior to his time on network television, Belzer was a well-known comedian. He appeared on ‘SNL’ during its early days, but he also did a lot of standup and sketch comedy on his own, and he presented variety shows/specials.
Belzer had several other acting accomplishments in addition to his prestigious work with Dick Wolf and company. “Moonlighting,” “Miami Vice,” “D.C. Follies,” “Monsters,” “The Flash,” “Nurses,” “Lois & Clark,” and “The X-Files” are just a few of the programs he’s appeared on.
Rest in peace, Richard. He was 78 years old.
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