Source: Patrick McMullan / Getty
Actor and comedian Richard Belzer, famed for playing the police officer John Munch on Law & Order: SVU and Homicide: Life on the Street and across multiple shows, has passed away. He was 78.
Actress and friend Laraine Newman was reportedly the first to break the news of his death.
I'm so sad to hear of Richard Belzer's passing. I loved this guy so much. 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. pic.twitter.com/u23co0JPA2
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) February 19, 2023
Belzer’s acerbic and conspiracy theory touting character of “Munch” quickly became a fan favorite. “Munch” would then be seen prominently in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit but also appeared in multiple shows, and networks, including The X-Files and since the character was a Baltimore native, The Wire on HBO. Belzer began playing the role in 1993 before retiring from acting in 2016.
The Twittersphere quickly reacted to news of Belzer’s death with peers and fans saluting the legend and giving him his props for a life well led. See reactions in the gallery.
Rest in powerful peace Richard Belzer.
The last appearance of our dear Richard Belzer. We will miss you
pic.twitter.com/4k2NkYnWGN
— Law & Order SVU (@NBCSVU_fans) February 19, 2023
1.
Richard Belzer played Det. John Munch on 12 different TV shows on six different networks.
Munch was also referenced in Sesame Street, a Spider-Man/Deadpool comic, Paul Shaffer's album and an episode of Luther. pic.twitter.com/bNjladSQxi
— Christopher Moloney (@Moloknee) February 19, 2023
2.
Rest In Peace dear sweet kind Richard Belzer. Rest In Peace.
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) February 19, 2023
3.
Richard Belzer appeared as Det. Munch on Homicide, Law & Order, SVU, Trial By Jury, The Wire, 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Beat, Arrested Development and The X-Files among others and was the first actor to play the same character on 10 different live-action shows.
RIP pic.twitter.com/C3kXGhbq2Z
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) February 19, 2023
4.
RIP Richard Belzer. We know that he played Munch on a hundred different shows for over two decades. The reason why is because he was so damn good. Watch those early seasons of HOMICIDE when he’s partnered with Ned Beatty. Great stuff. pic.twitter.com/8tY4sTQ16f
— Ian Brill (@ibrill) February 19, 2023
5. Son…
RIP Richard Belzer, who was literally everywhere. pic.twitter.com/jRevJ5u2Ji
— Mike Makowsky (@mike_makowsky) February 19, 2023
6.
Rest in peace, Richard Belzer (1944-2023). Referenced three days ago on SVU. I love The Wire, and I'm a L&O addict–characters from the two shows interacted in crossover episodes–but Homicide was special, and Munch, who segued from one to the next, was a character for the ages. https://t.co/3Xph6qeHpY
—
Kathy
Fennessy
(@kcfennessy) February 19, 2023
7.
Aw goddamit, RIP Richard Belzer. I just always thought he’d be around ‘cause it seemed like he always was. A true original. #TheBelzBabe
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 19, 2023
8.
Real sad to hear about RICHARD BELZER.
He was so many things – a great Comedian & Wit, an Actor, a Writer (his Work on JFK’s assassination was excellent), an Activist, a challenger of authority and the Establishment.
He was a stand up guy, a dude, & what I call a real citizen. pic.twitter.com/rSt5RuqWse
— Michael Warburton (@MichaelWarbur17) February 19, 2023
9.
Richard Belzer was a trailblazing comedian who influenced generations of stand-ups. His voice will be missed. pic.twitter.com/qE13OBQX73
— comedycentral (@ComedyCentral) February 19, 2023
10.
Richard Belzer had his own cinematic universe and we took it for granted https://t.co/XAjHJx5X11
— Mike Drucker (@MikeDrucker) February 19, 2023
11.
RIP Richard Belzer. Belz was SNL's original warmup act before the show and at one time was considered for a spot in the cast. It never materialized but Richard can be found in the background of many an original era episode, did a standup spot and, in particular, this cold open. pic.twitter.com/3a0IX08iii
— That Week In SNL (@ThatWeekInSNL) February 19, 2023
The post RIP Munch: Actor Richard Belzer Passes Away At 78 appeared first on The Latest Hip-Hop News, Music and Media | Hip-Hop Wired.