Cousins! Please join us in sending our deepest condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of beloved comedian and actor Richard Belzer following reports of his recent passing!
According to CNN, the 78 year old passed away early Sunday morning within his home in France. Richard’s manager Eric Gardner says, that he “passed away peacefully.”
Richard is well known for his extensive career in entertainment and his portrayed role of Detective Munch, on the fan favorite franchise Law And Order : Special Victims Unit. He appeared in a total of 326 episodes between 1999 and 2016. He apparently retired the role in 2013 and made special guest appearances throughout the years.
“I would never be a detective, but if I were, that’s how I’d be,” he said within a recent interview with The Boomer Tube. “The character is very close to how I would be. They write to all my paranoia and anti-establishment dissidence and conspiracy theories, so it’s been a lot of fun for me. It’s been a dream actually.”
He also portrayed a detective in 11 television series, additional series including “The Wire” and “The X-Files.” Richard even appeared as a deceptive -character in comedies: “30 Rock,” “Arrested Development” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”. Detective Munch had also been turned into a muppet in the “Sesame Street” within a skit “Special Letters Unit.”
Following the news of Richard’s passing fans went online to share their respects, including legendary rapper Ice T fellow SVU co-star.
“Highs and Lows… After one of the most amazing weeks of my life,” Ice, who just turned 65, tweeted Sunday. “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.”