Richard Belzer was an American comedian and actor best known for his role as detective John Munch in “Homicide: Life on the Streets” and “Law & Order: SVU.”
- Died: February 19, 2023 (Who else died on February 19?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 78 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France.
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Comedian to detective
Born on August 4, 1944, Belzer turned to comedy after a self-described “bitter childhood” in Bridgeport, CT. In 1971, a chance reply to an audition ad turned into a career-launching turn with the TV-mocking comedy troupe, Channel One. Their movie, “The Groove Tube,” earned Belzer a role as the warm-up comedian for the newly launched “Saturday Night Live.” Other comedy jobs soon followed through the ’80s, including a noted turn as the host of the late-night cable talk show “Hot Properties.”
In 1993, Belzer’s dry delivery and cutting wit caught the attention of Hollywood producer Barry Levinson, who cast Belzer as the cynical detective John Munch in Levinson’s new procedural drama: “Homicide: Life on the Streets.” The role would define the future of Belzer’s career, trading comedy for drama. When “Homicide” was cancelled in 1999, Belzer famously pitched a crossover Munch role on “Law & Order: SVU.” He continued the role on “SVU” for 14 seasons. Additional guest spots as his iconic character included turns on “Arrested Development,” “The Wire,” “The X Files,” and “30 Rock.”
In addition to his performing career, Belzer was a noted nonfiction author.
Notable quote
“Homicide cops are fascinating to me. It’s that Sherlock Holmesian point of using your intellect and not having to resort to your gun. A lot of guys have probably never drawn their gun, and they are very prideful of that.” – quoted in the Washington Post
Tributes to Richard Belzer
Full obituary: The New York Times