Actor and comedian Richard Belzer, famous for playing Detective John Munch on “Law & Order: SVU,” died early Sunday at his home in France.
Belzer’s friend Bill Scheft gave a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F*** you, motherf***er.'”
The iconic character who made Belzer a household name, Detective Munch, first appeared on NBC’s “Homicide” — but when that series was canceled, the actor told his manager to reach out to “Law & Order” series creator Dick Wolf.
“I remembered that Benjamin Bratt was leaving ‘Law & Order,’ and so I called my manager and said, ‘Call Dick Wolf — maybe Munch can become [Det. Lennie] Briscoe’s partner’ — because we had teamed for the crossover. So he called and Dick said, ‘What a great idea, but I’ve already cast Jesse Martin to be the new guy [opposite Jerry Orbach],'” Belzer recalled for the 2009 book “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Unofficial Companion.”
But Wolf had another project in mind, and fictional detective made the move from Baltimore on “Homicide” to New York City for “SVU.”
When asked during a 2008 interview whether he minded the fact that he had essentially been typecast — playing not just they same type of character but the same exact character across several different shows, he replied, “I never asked anyone to be on their show. So it’s doubly flattering to me to see me depicted in a script and that I’m so recognizable and lovable as the sarcastic detective and smart-ass. Much to my delight, because he is a great character for me to play, it’s fun for me. So I’m not upset about being typecast at all.”
Belzer made quite the impression on a number of his friends and colleagues, who responded on Sunday to the news that he had passed.
“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,” actress Marlee Matlin tweeted.
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. pic.twitter.com/oI4PzLr04I
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) February 19, 2023
Longtime costar Mariska Hargitay — who played the role of Detective Olivia Benson — shared her thoughts via Instagram, saying, “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 love you so very much, now and forever.”
Fellow “SVU” star Chris Meloni shared a photo.
Good bye mon ami. I love you.#TheBelz pic.twitter.com/CPJIyNDxYk
— Chris Meloni (@Chris_Meloni) February 19, 2023
“Richard Belzer was always so kind to me. We met at comedy club he was performing in yrs before L&O. I was young with only one film into my career. He always remembered me,” actor Vincent D’Onofrio added. “I had the pleasure of hang’n with him a couple of times. Sweet sweet man & funny as hell. He will be missed.”
