Law & Order fans are in mourning over the loss of one of the franchise’s most visible faces. Richard Belzer, who played the sardonic, conspiracy-minded Detective John Munch on Law & Order: SVU, died early Sunday, Feb. 19 at the age of 78.
Belzer rose to fame in the 1980s as a stand-up comic, known for his sharp lines and taking it to the establishment. That led to work in TV shows and movies, often as a minor supporting character such as a reporter on the 1990s Flash TV series.
In 1993, Belzer landed his iconic role of John Munch on the NBC drama Homicide: Life on the Street. A former ’60s radical turned cop, Munch was known for rants on secret government projects and always with a one-liner for any occasion.
After Homicide ended in 1999, Belzer’s popularity led to Munch becoming a regular on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He stayed with the show for 15 seasons with Munch retiring in 2016. Also, Belzer played a role in several guest-star shots on The X-Files, The Wire, Arrested Development, and others.
In all, Belzer played the role for 23 years and 11 different television shows, a record. In eerie timing, the last episode of Law & Order: SVU had Fin relating that Munch was happily retired in Baltimore, running a bar and dating a female rabbi.
Law & Order stars pay tribute to Belzer
Law & Order was quick to pay tribute to Belzer. Dick Wolf issued a statement.
"“Richard Belzer’s John Munch is one of television’s iconic characters. I first worked with Richard on the Law & Order/Homicide crossover and loved the character so much I told Tom (Fontana) that I wanted to make him one of the original characters on SVU. The rest is history. Richard brought humor and joy into all our lives and was the consummate professional and we will all miss him very much.”"
Mariska Hargitay posted a warm tribute on her Instagram page.
"“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 lucky the angels are to have you. I can hear them laughing already. I love you so very much, now and forever.”"
Ice-T, who had celebrated getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week, tweeted his own feelings.
"“Highs and Lows… After one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I wake up to the news I lost my friend today. Belz is gone.. Damn it! But remember this..’ When you ARE having real fun and are Truly Happy. ENJOY it to the fullest! Cause Pain is inevitably coming.’ I’ll miss you Homie.”"
Christopher Meloni posted several Instagram pics of him and Belzer on set while saying, “A beautiful soul, a dapper dresser, with the spirit of a child. Never met anyone like him, and I never will again. Ur last words have helped make ur passing easier to take.” That is a reference to how Belzer’s final words were supposedly “f— you mother—-er.”
More Law & Order names like Kelli Giddish, Warren Leight, Julie Martin, Danny Pino, and Diane Neal shared their own feelings in tributes to show just how much Belzer meant to people and how his passing leaves a hole in the Law & Order world.
What do you remember Richard Belzer in? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Law & Order shows air Thursdays starting at 8/7c on NBC. Catch up the following day on Peacock.