Richard Belzer was an American actor who is best known for his roles as John Munch in “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and “The Wire.” He was also a comedian and author.
Personal and Family Life
Richard Belzer was born on August 4, 1944, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His mother, Frances, passed away from breast cancer when he was 18, and four years later, his father, Charles, committed suicide. Richard had a challenging childhood and was known for his quick wit, which often got him in trouble at school. He was married three times, with his last marriage being to Harlee McBride from 1985 until his death in 2023.
Death and Legacy
Richard Belzer died on February 19, 2023, in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France. His passing marked the loss of a beloved figure in television, particularly known for his iconic portrayal of John Munch. Belzer’s impact on the comedy and television landscape remains significant, and he is remembered for his sharp humor and unique character roles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Fame | 1980-05-16 | M.C. |
| The Wrong Guys | 1988-05-13 | Belz |
| Café Flesh | 1982-11-20 | Audience Member (uncredited) |
| Homicide: The Movie | 2000-02-13 | John Munch |
| The Puppet Masters | 1994-10-21 | Neil Jarvis |
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 1999-09-20 | John Munch |
| 3rd Rock from the Sun | 1996-01-09 | Richard Belzer |
| Man on the Moon | 1999-12-22 | Richard Belzer |
| The X-Files | 1993-09-10 | John Munch |
| 30 Rock | 2006-10-11 | Sergeant John Munch |