Richard Belzer, stand-up comic , dies at 78

Richard Belzer was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on August 4, 1944. He began his career in entertainment as a stand-up comedian, performing in clubs and theaters across the country. He gained national attention with his appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in the 1970s.

In the 1980s, Belzer began to transition to acting, appearing in films such as “Fame” and “Author! Author!” He also had recurring roles on television shows like “Miami Vice” and “The Flash.” However, it was his role as Detective John Munch in “Homicide: Life on the Street” that brought him widespread recognition.

Belzer played the character of John Munch on “Homicide” for six seasons before the show ended in 1999. He then reprised the role on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” where he appeared as a regular cast member for over a decade. Munch became one of the most beloved characters on television, known for his dry wit and unconventional methods of solving crimes.

In addition to his acting work, Belzer has also written several books. His first book, “UFOs, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don’t Have to Be Crazy to Believe,” was published in 1999 and explored various historical conspiracy theories. He has also written several crime novels, including “I Am Not a Cop!: A Novel” and “Dead Wrong: A Novel of Suspense.”

Belzer is known for his sharp wit and often controversial statements on and off-screen. He has been a vocal advocate for various political causes throughout his career, including marijuana legalization and animal rights. Despite his sometimes controversial image, Belzer remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and among his fans.

Cause Of Death of Richard Belzer

Richard Belzer had a history of health issues, including a heart attack in 1979 and a stroke in 2014. He was also diagnosed with testicular cancer in the late 1980s and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Despite these health challenges, Belzer continued to work in the entertainment industry throughout his career.

The cause of Richard Belzer’s death on February 19, 2023, has not been officially announced. However, given his history of health issues, his death may be related to those previous health conditions.