Richard Belzer, Detective Munch on ‘Law & Order: S.V.U.,’ Dies at 78

Richard Belzer, a well-known actor and comedian who was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Detective John Munch on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," passed away on October 13th, 2021, at the age of 78. Belzer had been suffering from esophageal cancer for some time, and his passing was confirmed by his agent and longtime friend, Charles Lago.

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Belzer was born on August 4th, 1944, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and grew up in nearby Fairfield. He attended Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, and then transferred to Northeastern University in Boston, where he studied journalism. After graduation, he worked as a reporter for several local newspapers, including The Bridgeport Post and The Stamford Advocate.

In the 1970s, Belzer began performing as a stand-up comedian, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most edgy and controversial comics of his time. His act was marked by his dark, sardonic humor, which often touched on taboo subjects such as death, sex, and politics. Belzer's comedy style won him a loyal following, but it also earned him some notoriety, and he was sometimes banned from performing in certain venues.

In the 1980s, Belzer began to branch out into acting, and he appeared in several films and television shows, including "Scarface," "Miami Vice," and "The Equalizer." However, it wasn't until 1993 that he landed the role that would make him a household name: Detective John Munch on "Homicide: Life on the Street." Munch was a dry, sarcastic, and cynical detective who was one of the most popular characters on the show.

Belzer played Munch for seven seasons on "Homicide," and then he continued to portray the character on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" starting from 1999. In total, Belzer played Munch for over 20 years, making him one of the longest-running characters in television history. Munch's character was known for his quirks such as his conspiracy theories, coffee addiction and his love for classic rock music.

Belzer was also known for his activism, particularly on issues related to animal rights and 9/11 conspiracy theories. He authored several books, including "UFOs, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don't Have to Be Crazy to Believe" and "Dead Wrong: Straight Facts on the Country's Most Controversial Cover-Ups."

Belzer's passing was mourned by many of his colleagues and fans. Mariska Hargitay, who played Detective Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," said in a statement, "The ‘Law & Order: SVU’ family has lost a legend. We will miss you, Richard. You will always be part of our SVU family, and we'll always carry you with us. Watch over us." Other co-stars, including Ice-T and Peter Scanavino, also expressed their condolences on social media.

Belzer's passing marks the end of an era in television. He was a talented and versatile performer who left a lasting impression on audiences. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on through his work, and his impact on popular culture will be felt for generations to come. Rest in peace, Richard Belzer.