Longtime actor Richard Belzer is dead at the age of 78 as early morning tributes from SNL and ‘Law & Order’ cast members posted their tributes to the former stand-up comedian turned serious actor.
According to TMZ, Belzer’s death has not been confirmed by any of his family members, but rumors started to trend when Laraine Newman, an original SNL cast member with Belzer, posted a tribute to him.
Belzer is best known playing Det. John Munch on ‘Law & Order’ from 1996 until his character was written off in 2016. He appeared in more than 300 episodes of the Dick Wolf drama.
Det. Munch first appeared in the 1980’s hit show ‘Homicide’ before ‘Law & Order’ executive producer Wolf called Belzer up to his show.
Belzer was a known stand-up comedian and improv actor that was a part of the original 1970 ‘Saturday Night Live’ cast.
He’s starred in movies and other TV shows like, “Moonlighting,” Scarface,” “Miami Vice,” “The X-Files,” and “The Wire.”
It’s believed Belzer is survived by his wife, Harlee, and other family members. He was 78.