https://www.cbsnews.com/news/richard-belzer-law-order-special-victims-unit-actor-dies-at-78/Richard Belzer, the comedian and actor best known for his role as Detective John Munch on the "Law & Order" franchise, has died at 78, Bill Scheft, a longtime family friend, confirmed to CBS News on Sunday.
Scheft said Belzer passed away surrounded by family in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, in the south of France.
Belzer, a stand-up comedian with a devoted following, got his acting start in the 1974 film "The Groove Tube." He was also featured in early episodes of "Saturday Night Live."
But Belzer's most memorable role was Detective John Munch, which he played on "Homicide: Life on the Street" from 1993 to 1999. Belzer continued the role on the "Law & Order" series, appearing in the show's first episode in 1993. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" debuted in 1999, with Belzer's starring role lasting until 2016 — a whopping 326 episodes, according to IMDb.
