Richard Belzer, stand-up legend and television actor, passed away on February 19, 2023, at the age of 78. Belzer died at his home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer from complications of unspecified respiratory and circulatory conditions.
The news of Belzer’s death was confirmed by his friend Bill Scheft, who has also been working on a documentary about the life and career of Richard Belzer.
How did Richard Belzer pass away?
The cause of death has not yet been released, but according to Scheft, Belzer suffered from respiratory and circulatory problems for years. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Scheft said Belzer had many health problems but died peacefully.
Belzer was best known for his role as John Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Belzer played the role of a cunning homicide detective for more than two decades and ten series and also became popular for his roles in Arrested Development and 30 Rock.
He first played Detective John Munch in a 1993 episode of Homicide and last played him on Law & Order: SVU in 2016.
Interestingly, Belzer never auditioned for the role. It was executive producer Barry Levinson who invited Belzer to read for the part after hearing it on “The Howard Stern Show.”
In an interview with The Boomer Tube, Belzer said:
I would never be a detective. But if it were, it would be so.
He continued:
They write to all my paranoia and anti-establishment dissent and conspiracy theories. So it’s been a lot of fun for me. A dream, really.”
What were Richard Belzer’s health problems?
In 1992, Belzer was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which he discovered while taking a bath.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Belzer said, “Being diagnosed with testicular cancer was like a cosmic slap in the face. My reaction was: “How do I get rid of it and can I have sex?”
Born in Connecticut, Richard Belzer had a prolific career with millions of fans around the world. In fact, he was the only actor in television history to have played the same character on 11 different action series.