(UnitedVoice.com) – For 14 years, fans of the NBC drama “Law & Order: SVU” tuned in to see New York City Detective John Munch solve some of the Big Apple’s worst crimes. Actor Richard Belzer left the show as a season regular in 2013, but continued appearing as a guest star until he retired in 2016. Sadly, the longtime comedian has passed away.
On February 19, Belzer died at his home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France. Though the 78-year-old actor was well known for his role as Detective Munch on various NBC shows, his career was much larger than that. He started in show business in 1972. In addition to being a well-known actor, he was also a comedian, author, and radio star.
Known for his sarcasm and dry humor, Belzer was the first warm-up comedian for “Saturday Night Live” in the 1970s. He went on to star in three episodes of the wildly popular show. In 1984, Belzer asked Hulk Hogan to demonstrate some of his wrestling moves on him. After several requests, Hogan gave in and put the comedian in a chin-lock, causing him to pass out and hit his head on the floor.
Belzer spent some time in the hospital and later sued the wrestler, winning $400,000. He used the money to buy the house where he passed away and referred to it as “Chez Hogan” and “Hulk Hogan Estate” for years.
In addition to his acting and comedy careers, Belzer was a conspiracy theorist who wrote several books about topics like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 disappearance.
During his life, Belzer married three times. The third time he walked down the aisle was with the love of his life, Harlee McBride, in 1985. The two were still married when he passed away on Sunday. He is survived by his two stepdaughters and wife.
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