Richard Belzer, the comedian and actor best known for his character as detective John Munch on ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,’ died at the age of 78.
Belzer was living in the South of France at the time of his death
Belzer was living in Bozouls, France, at the time of his death. He was residing in a house he purchased from settlement money he received after an infamous incident with wrestler Hulk Hogan in 1985.
The Hulk was a guest on Belzer’s talk to promote ‘WrestleMania’![]()
In March 1985, Belzer hosted Hulk Hogan on his short-lived TV talk show to promote ‘WrestleMania.’ Hogan put Belzer in a chinlock, knocking Belzer unconscious. When Hogan released him, Belzer fell to the floor, banging his head, causing a laceration and drawing blood.
Belzer sued Hulk Hogan for damages and won
Belzer sued Hogan in 1990 for the medical issues that ensued, receiving an out-of-court settlement of $400,000 in damages. Belzer then used it for the down payment on his house in the South of France, where he spent the last years of his life with his wife.
His co-stars and colleagues have all been very outspoken of their loss![]()
Belzer has had many of his co-stars and colleagues speak out after his death, all with comments about his endearing friendship and incredible wit and humor.
Mariska Hargitay said goodbye to Richard Belzer 
Mariska Hargitay posted on her Instagram: “Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world. I feel blessed to have known you and adored you and worked with you, side by side, for so many years. How much the angels are to have you. I can hear them laughing already. I love you so very much, now and forever.”
Mark Maron: ‘One of the greats’![]()
Mark Maron tweeted: “Richard Belzer died. He was an original. One of the greats, babe. I loved the guy. RIP.”
Billy Crystal tweeted about Richard Belzer 
Billy Crystal also tweeted: “Richard Belzer was simply hilarious. A genius at handling a crowd. So sad he’s passed away.”
Richard Lewis: ‘Old pals’![]()
“Old pals are disappearing. Belzer passed today. Love to his family,” Richard Lewis wrote online. “We practically started our careers the same moment in NYC. He made me laugh a billion times. RIP Belz.”
Belzer had a troubled childhood
Richard Jay Belzer was born on August 4, 1944 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was very outspoken about his need to acquire comedy as a young child due to his mother’s abusive nature. He told ‘People’ in 1993: “I had to make my mom laugh or I’d get my *** kicked.”
Belzer was a lost teenager![]()
After being kicked out of school for his ‘uncontrollable wit,’ Belzer had a series of odd jobs. He even tried pursuing a job as a journalist at the ‘The Bridgeport Post’ newspaper, but it did not last long.
He saw great tragedy in his life
At just 20 years old, Belzer lost his mother to breast cancer. A mere three years later, his distraught father attempted to take his life in 1967. Belzer found him and saved his life, only for him to succeed in his next attempt, one year later.
His father’s death had him reassess his life![]()
After his father’s tragic death, Belzer reassessed his life and decided it was the time to put forth all of his efforts toward his dream – to make it as a comedian.
And make it, he did
After answering an ad in the paper, Belzer went from one performance to the next. In 1971, he landed his big break, a comedy troupe called ‘Groove Tube,’ which later turned into the hit film, ‘The Groove Tube’ with Chevy Chase.
Belzer performed with the best comedians of the time![]()
Belzer was on his way, performing with the classic comedians of the era: John Belushi, Robin Williams, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and Harold Ramis. He also worked with Lorne Michaels, the brains behind ‘Saturday Night Live.’
Frustrated with his trajectory
But Belzer became frustrated as the other comedians grew in popularity while he plateaued in the comedy world. It would turn out that his true success would not come from stand-up, but from TV. And it would be the character John Munch that would change Belzer’s life forever.
Belzer was cast as Detective John Munch in 1993![]()
Belzer was cast in his big break as Detective John Munch in ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ in the ‘Law & Order’ series. He would later reprise the role in ‘Law & Order: SVU.’
Belzer played Munch for a total of 22 consecutive seasons
Belzer played the character John Munch for a total of 22 consecutive seasons of ‘Law & Order.’ The character announced his retirement from the show in 2014, and Belzer was last seen in the SVU team in 2016.
John Munch was everywhere![]()
Detective John Munch appeared on 11 different shows over the course of 22 years. Not including the ‘Law & Order Series,’ Munch was also depicted on the ‘X-Files,’ ‘Arrested Development,’ ’30 Rock,’ ‘The Beat,’ ‘The Wire,’ ‘Sesame Street,’ and ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.’
Belzer was known to write about conspiracy theories
Richard Belzer was known to write conspiracy theory books. He published four throughout his life. He was also a regular on the ‘Alex Jones’ show.
Richard Belzer was also very involved with charities for animals![]()
Belzer was an animal lover, especially dogs, and very involved with charities for animals, using his platform to help those in need.
Belzer is survived by his wife, Harlee McBride
