Actor Richard Belzer, a key member of the Law & Order network, has passed away at the age of 78.
He sports colored glasses and is known for his cynical look as Detective John Munch in the franchise’s Law & Order: SVU spin-off, which had record-breaking airings.(opens in new tab) It has been one of the most watched shows on television for 24 years.
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Belzer’s obituary was announced on social media by friends and Hollywood colleagues who shared memories of the actor’s long career. No further information has been released regarding his passing, other than a statement to hollywood reporter(opens in new tab) that he was suffering from “many health problems”;
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In a statement to variety(opens in new tab)show creator Dick Wolfe said, “Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch is one of television’s iconic characters…Richard brings humor and joy to our lives and is perfectionist.” He was an expert and I miss him.”
Detective Munch’s role was itself history-making. Munch has appeared in more television his series (9 total) than any other fictional character. Belzer said he played the role for 21 years, creating the acerbic detective in the 1993 show. Murder: Life on the StreetsBelzer stepped down from her role on ‘SVU’ in 2013, but briefly returned to the show in 2016, continuing with a series of guest spots on various shows. Prior to his role as a detective, Belzer was known for his comedic talent as an actor and stand-up his comedian.
As longtime fans mourn the loss of “law and order,” Belzer’s friend and author Bill Sheft says he left the world with one last Munch-esque line.(opens in new tab): “Fuck you motherfucker.”
