‘Law & Order’ Star Richard Belzer Dies at 78

Richard Belzer — popular for his deal with ‘Law & Order’ and in the standup funny world — has actually passed away … this according to his close funny buddies.

News about Belzer’s death spread like wildfire Sunday early morning, with none aside from Laraine Newman — an initial ‘SNL’ cast member, who worked together with Belzer from the mid-’70s through the ’80s — verifying the current.

She composed, “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.”

Comedian Marc Maron likewise sent his acknowledgements, calling him an initial and “one of the greats.” Other homages are gathering from all over showbiz, although information about his passing have not been formally launched right now.

Belzer was most understood for representing Det. John Munch on ‘Law & Order: SVU’, going back to 1996. He’d starred in over 300 episodes of the fan-fave police officer series …  playing the quick-witted and razor-sharp Munch for numerous years. His character was crossed out in 2016.

His popular authorities character had actually likewise existed even prior to ‘SVU’ occurred … Munch had actually existed in another television universe — particularly, on the traditional hit ‘Homicide,’ where he starred opposite Ned Beatty, Daniel Baldwin and other huge stars for 7 straight seasons.

Prior to his stint in network television, Belzer was a prominent comic … as we pointed out, he appeared on ‘SNL’ throughout its creation duration — however he likewise did a great deal of standup and sketch funny on his own, plus … he hosted range shows/specials too.

Beyond his prestigious deal with Dick Wolf and co. … Belzer had numerous other acting credits under his belt. Some other popular programs he’d been on consist of … “Moonlighting,” “Miami Vice,” “D.C. Follies,” “Monsters,” “The Flash,” “Nurses,” ‘Lois & Clark,’ “The X-Files,” “Arrested Development,” “The Wire,” “30 Rock,” “American Dad” and lots of, much more.

His movie resume was outstanding too … he’d starred in “Scarface,” “Fame,” “Fletch Lives,” “The Bonfires of the Vanities,” “Species II,” “Man on the Moon,” “The Puppet Masters” and others.

The last we got Belzer in the street, he was shooting jokes from the hip … talking conspiracy theories and flaunting that famous dry humor he was understood for. Super great man.

Belzer is made it through by his other half, Harlee, and his prolonged household. He was 78.