Actor and comedian Richard Belzer, best known for his role as John Munch on NBC’s long-running police drama Law & Order, shared fitting last words prior to his death, according to writer and longtime friend Bill Scheft.
Scheft told the Hollywood Reporter that Belzer “had lots of health issues” but kept up the spirit of his edgy comedy style just before his passing, noting that his last words were, “F*** you, mother*****r.”
Longtime friend and fellow comedian Laraine Newman initially shared news of Belzer’s death in a tweet shared Sunday (February 19) morning.
“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,” Newman tweeted.
Among the stars leading tributes once news of his passing broke was comedian Billy Crystal, 74, who tweeted: “Richard Belzer was simply hilarious. A genius at handling a crowd. So sad he’s passed away.”
Fellow stand-up and podcaster Marc Maron, 59, added online: “Richard Belzer died. He was an original. One of the greats, babe. I loved the guy. RIP.”
Richard also made quite an 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.”
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Richard said he got into comedy by making his physically abusive mum laugh, as he said if he didn’t he would “get my a** kicked”.
He went on to work as a reporter for the Bridgeport Post and as a census taker before turning to comedy full-time after his dad took his life.
His brother Leonard also committed suicide in 2014.
Known for taking his dog with him everywhere he went with him when it moved to New York, by the early 1970s Richard was a regular on the ‘National Lampoon Radio Hour’, alongside John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray.
His TV career started after he took career advice from Jerry Lewis, and he started with minor roles in the 1990s before becoming a household name in 1993 when he first played Detective Munch in ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’
He became a renowned conspiracy theorist and was a regular on Alex Jones’ show – once referring to the Boston Marathon bombing as a false flag event.
Richard also famously sued wrestler Hulk Hogan, 69, for $5 million after the star dropped him on the head after the actor asked him to show him one of his signature ring moves, but they settled out of court.
Married three times, Richard stayed with his third wife, retired actress Harlee McBride, 74, until his death and had been living in southern France since around 2019.
Sources: DailyWire, Hollywood Reporter
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