Richard Belzer, Law & Order Actor, is dead at 78

JACKSONVILLE, FLa. — According to multiple reports, Richard Belzer, the actor who portrayed Detective John Munch in the television series’ “Law & Order” and “Law & Order Special Victims Unit,” has died in his home in the southern France at the age of 78.

While the cause of death has not yet been released, reports say that Belzer had health issues.

The actor’s passing is also being shared on Twitter by friend and long-time aquaintence Laraine Newman. Belzer, who was also a comedian, worked with Newman on “Saturday Night Live” between 1975 and 1980.

Newman tweeted:

“I’m so sad to hear of Richard Belzer’s passing. I loved this guy so much, Newman wrote on Twitter. “He was one of my first friends when I got to New York to do SNL. We used to go out to dinner every week at Sheepshead Bay for lobster. One of the funniest people ever. A master at crowd work. RIP dearest.”

Those who worked with Belzer also took to twitter to express their regrets, including Billy Crystal, Richard Lewis and Marlee Matlin who posted:

“Richard Belzer was one of the most kindest and welcoming actors when I guested on two episodes of Law and Order: SVU. His passing is truly a loss for Hollywood and I will miss him dearly. RIP Richard Belzer.”

Belzer first portrayed Detective Munch on the NBC police drama, “Homicide: Life on the Street.” The Baltimore based show ran for seven seasons between 1993 and 1999.

Belzer is survived by his wife Harlee McBride.

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