Popular American comedian and actor Richard Belzerknown for his acting work on various NBC crime series, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, died in the early hours of Sunday February 19 at the age of 78 at his home in Bozouls, France.
Belzer, as his representative Eric Gardner publicly communicated to the international press, “passed away peacefully” after suffering a long illness the name of which did not go into the newspapers.
The popular comedian and actor has become known for his particular way of playing police roles. Especially fans fell in love with him in Law: SVU, a series in which he brought Detective John Munch to life through more than 300 episodes between 1996 and 2016.
Additionally, Belzer worked on other crime series such as Homicide, where he worked on another seven seasons, in Arrested Development, Miami Vice, Lois & Clark, Monsters; Teh X Files, American Dad and even appeared in mythical fiction Thread Bringing Sergeant John Munch to life in 2008.
But Belzer didn’t just focus on television. In the world of cinema, the actor has landed relevant roles in Scarface, Fame, Flecht LIves, Bonfires of the Vanities, Man on the Moon, Girl 6, Species II, Santorini Blue and even in 2017 he worked on the comedy documentary Gilbert.
The film and comedy world says goodbye to Belzer
Although Belzer rose to fame through television, his work in comedy has always kept him riding the crest of the tide. His work behind the scenes and on stage as a stad-up has made this actor a true pop culture icon. to whom this Monday everyone is crying.
“Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch is one of television’s most iconic characters…Richard brought humor and joy to our lives, he was a consummate professional and will be sorely missed,” they wrote on the official account of Wolf Entertainment, the producer of Law.
Meanwhile, the show’s official account also paid homage to him publicly, writing, “Anyone who has had the pleasure of watching Richard Belzer play Detective John Munch will never forget how much he inhabited this beloved character for more. Our condolences to his loved ones as we join them in mourning their loss, but also in celebrating their memory.
Meanwhile, some fellow actors and comedians wanted to praise something more than Belzer’s work and filled social networks with messages of affection towards him and his family in which they recognize the actor’s work as a partner and friend.
“Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light and your unique vision of this strange world. I feel blessed to have known, loved and hated working with you side by side for so many years “, wrote his partner. In Law Mariska Hargitay on her Instagram account.