Richard Belzer (1944 - 2023) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 02-19-2023, 12:29 PM

https://deadline.com/2023/02/richard...78-1235265177/

Richard Belzer, who played against type as a tough New York cop on Law and Order SVU after a long career in comedy, has died at 78.

His death was first reported on social media by his friend, the actor Laraine Newman, of Saturday Night Live fame.

“I’m so sad to hear of Richard Belzer’s passing,” she wrote Sunday. “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,” added Newman.

In the 1970s, Belzer was the warm-up comedian for Saturday Night Live, and appeared multiple times on its early seasons in bit parts. He also made memorable appearances in films like Fame and Author! Author! In the 1980s.

“Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch is one of television’s iconic characters,” said a statement from show creator and producer Dick Wolf. ” 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, was the consummate professional and we will all miss him very much.”

A statement from NBC and Universal Television praised Belzer’s work.

“Anyone who ever had the pleasure of watching Richard Belzer portray Det. John Munch — whether on ‘Homicide’ or ‘Law & Order: SVU’ – over four decades will never forget how much he inhabited that beloved character to make it his own. His professionalism, talents and dedication to the craft made him a pillar in the industry, but it was his humor, compassion and loving heart that made him family. Our condolences go out to his loved ones as we join them in mourning his loss, but also in celebrating his memory.”

Belzer moved into the role of host of the cable TV show Hot Properties, where he memorably was choked out by wrestler Hulk Hogan. Belzer sued the wrestler, the parties settled.

His next role was as Detective John Munch in Homicide: Life on the Street, a gig that lasted for 122 episodes. He also made appearances on The X-Files and Mad About You.

From there, he began on Law and Order: SVU, a role that lasted 20 seasons.

In 2016, Belzer released the book Hit List: An In-Depth Investigation into the Mysterious Deaths of Witnesses to the JFK Assassination.

His other books include UFOS, JFK and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don’t Have to be Crazy to Believe and Dead Wrong: Straight Facts on the Country’s Most Controversial Cover-Ups.

Dude111 · 02-19-2023, 01:22 PM

Wow I loved him!!

I always thought he was Howard Stern!!

principehomura · 02-19-2023, 01:46 PM

Rip

Zoneboy · 02-19-2023, 07:40 PM

Thanks, TJ. Not long after I originally posted this some sites were screaming hoax. The only source I could find at the time was showbiz 411 which is usually legit. When no other sources including TMZ were covering it I was also thinking hoax as well.
Mr. Belzer was great as John Munch, may he

TJ · 02-19-2023, 07:54 PM

I was curious why you requested the thread be deleted. I didn't see anything about a hoax or premature announcement when I briefly searched Twitter. It's better to be safe than sorry.

I guess Laraine Newman was the first to report it on Twitter. I thought it was legit when I saw the upload notification from the David Letterman YouTube channel. That's sometimes how I first find out about deaths.

Zoneboy · 02-19-2023, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ

I was curious why you requested the thread be deleted.

I did that because someone on another site posted a link to it being a possible hoax and the fact that nobody else had picked up on it. Truthfully I mainly asked for it to be deleted because if it had turned out to be a hoax I didn't want to get any flack over it especially after the Beverly Archer fiasco.

opus · 02-20-2023, 02:03 PM

The part I would call a hoax is Bill Scheft's story of Belzer's last words (which I can't print here). Bill's also a comedy guy, and part of me feels that is one final bit prearranged between the two of them.

TMC · 02-21-2023, 01:03 AM

Ice-T Mourns Painful Loss Of Law & Order: SVU Co-Star Richard Belzer

Quote:

BY KAY BANKS/FEB. 19, 2023 8:34 PM EST

Richard Belzer, who was best known for portraying Detective Munch on "Law & Order: SVU" died on February 19, according to TMZ. The publication cites a tweet by Laraine Newman, Belzer's former "Law & Order" co-star, who spoke of his death on Twitter. Belzer's official cause of death is yet to be revealed. However, Bill Scheft, Belzer's longtime friend and fellow writer confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Belzer had recently been suffering from various health issues. "He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, 'F*** you, motherfu***r,'" Scheft shared.

At this time, there's no word on what exactly ailed Belzer at the time of his death. However, he has a known history of testicular cancer. In 1992, Belzer spoke with The Washington Post about finding out he had cancer at age 40. "Being diagnosed with testicular cancer was like a cosmic slap in the face," shared Belzer. "My reaction was, 'How do I get rid of it, and can I have sex?'" Ultimately, Belzer beat his diagnosis and lived for several more decades before his untimely passing. Unfortunately, Belzer's tragic death adds him to the list of celebs who've died in 2023. Tributes have since began pouring in from Belzer's peers and former colleagues — including actors Chris Meloni, Mariska Hargitay, and Richard Lewis. Ice-T, who starred on "SVU" alongside Belzer for the majority of his 17-year streak, also shared quite the poignant tribute.

Ice-T says he'll 'miss' Richard Belzer

Ice-T took to Twitter on Sunday afternoon to pay his respects to Richard Belzer, and highlighted the duality of life in the process. "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," tweeted the actor and rap star. "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." While Belzer's death is undoubtedly the "low" Ice-T speaks of, his recent milestone of receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which took place just one day prior to Belzer's passing, definitely appears to count as his "high."

This isn't the first time that he has spoken highly of Belzer. Shortly after joining the "SVU" cast, Ice-T spoke of his dynamic with his new colleagues. "I went and [joined the cast] and it was the best decision I ever made," shared Ice-T on the "Literally! With Rob Lowe" podcast (via Express). "I got there and I immediately connected with [Richard] Belzer, Belzer was the best person ..." Still, these bonds took time to form. "There was a funny moment, after three episodes they tell me 'Ice we don't think you're bonding with everybody.' I don't just meet people and tell them we're best friends, it takes a minute, I'm going to vibe you out."

Bonniegirl · 02-21-2023, 03:05 AM

May he rest in peace , sad to hear of his passing !

A cool guy , I enjoyed him on Law and Order !

TMC · 02-21-2023, 08:01 PM

Appreciating Richard Belzer

TMC · 02-23-2023, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonniegirl

May he rest in peace , sad to hear of his passing !

A cool guy , I enjoyed him on Law and Order !

Law & Order: SVU's Munch Mention Gives Richard Belzer the Perfect Sendoff

Law & Order: SVU paid a sweet tribute to Detective John Munch ahead of Richard Belzer's passing that proved perfect for both character and actor.

TMC · 02-23-2023, 10:19 PM

USA to honor Richard Belzer with "Munch-a-thon"

Per Deadline, the USA Network honoring Belzer has been dubbed the "Munch-a-thon."

02-19-2023, 12:29 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,380	Richard Belzer (1944 - 2023) https://deadline.com/2023/02/richard...78-1235265177/ Richard Belzer, who played against type as a tough New York cop on Law and Order SVU after a long career in comedy, has died at 78. His death was first reported on social media by his friend, the actor Laraine Newman, of Saturday Night Live fame. “I’m so sad to hear of Richard Belzer’s passing,” she wrote Sunday. “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,” added Newman. In the 1970s, Belzer was the warm-up comedian for Saturday Night Live, and appeared multiple times on its early seasons in bit parts. He also made memorable appearances in films like Fame and Author! Author! In the 1980s. “Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch is one of television’s iconic characters,” said a statement from show creator and producer Dick Wolf. ” 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, was the consummate professional and we will all miss him very much.” A statement from NBC and Universal Television praised Belzer’s work. “Anyone who ever had the pleasure of watching Richard Belzer portray Det. John Munch — whether on ‘Homicide’ or ‘Law & Order: SVU’ – over four decades will never forget how much he inhabited that beloved character to make it his own. His professionalism, talents and dedication to the craft made him a pillar in the industry, but it was his humor, compassion and loving heart that made him family. Our condolences go out to his loved ones as we join them in mourning his loss, but also in celebrating his memory.” Belzer moved into the role of host of the cable TV show Hot Properties, where he memorably was choked out by wrestler Hulk Hogan. Belzer sued the wrestler, the parties settled. His next role was as Detective John Munch in Homicide: Life on the Street, a gig that lasted for 122 episodes. He also made appearances on The X-Files and Mad About You. From there, he began on Law and Order: SVU, a role that lasted 20 seasons. In 2016, Belzer released the book Hit List: An In-Depth Investigation into the Mysterious Deaths of Witnesses to the JFK Assassination. His other books include UFOS, JFK and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don’t Have to be Crazy to Believe and Dead Wrong: Straight Facts on the Country’s Most Controversial Cover-Ups.
	Last edited by TJ; 02-19-2023 at 05:45 PM.

02-19-2023, 01:46 PM	#3
principehomura Member Forum Regular Join Date: May 24, 2010 Location: SEA, Napa, Lanford, NY \| Rome (WI), Coeur d'Coeurs, Stars Hollow, Sunnydale \| Twin Peaks, BAL, Deadwood, WA \| Tardis, Galactica Posts: 757	Rip
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02-19-2023, 07:54 PM	#5
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,677	I was curious why you requested the thread be deleted. I didn't see anything about a hoax or premature announcement when I briefly searched Twitter. It's better to be safe than sorry. I guess Laraine Newman was the first to report it on Twitter. I thought it was legit when I saw the upload notification from the David Letterman YouTube channel. That's sometimes how I first find out about deaths.
	Last edited by TJ; 02-19-2023 at 08:35 PM.

02-19-2023, 01:22 PM	#2
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 36,212	Wow I loved him!! I always thought he was Howard Stern!!

02-19-2023, 07:40 PM	#4
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,380	Thanks, TJ. Not long after I originally posted this some sites were screaming hoax. The only source I could find at the time was showbiz 411 which is usually legit. When no other sources including TMZ were covering it I was also thinking hoax as well. Mr. Belzer was great as John Munch, may he

02-20-2023, 02:03 PM	#7
opus VB Forum Superstar Join Date: May 16, 2015 Location: VB Galaxy Posts: 32,435	The part I would call a hoax is Bill Scheft's story of Belzer's last words (which I can't print here). Bill's also a comedy guy, and part of me feels that is one final bit prearranged between the two of them.

02-21-2023, 03:05 AM	#9
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 65,715	May he rest in peace , sad to hear of his passing ! A cool guy , I enjoyed him on Law and Order !

02-21-2023, 08:01 PM	#10
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,010	Appreciating Richard Belzer

02-23-2023, 10:19 PM	#12
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 126,010	USA to honor Richard Belzer with "Munch-a-thon" Per Deadline, the USA Network honoring Belzer has been dubbed the "Munch-a-thon."