Richard Belzer, who played Detective John Munch in ‘Law & Order: SVU’, was mourned by Hollywood friends after his death in France. He was 78 years old.
“He died at his home early this morning in the south of France – in his house in the south of France – with his family around him,” confirmed longtime friend Bill Scheft to Fox News Digital.
Mariska Hargitay, like many of her colleagues, wrote that Richard was a “dear, dear friend”.
“I will miss you, your unique light and your singular vision of this strange world”, she shared on Instagram. “I feel blessed to have known you, to adore you and to work with you, side by side, for so many years.”
RICHARD BELZER, STAR OF “LAW & ORDER”, DEAD AT 78
Richard Belzer died Sunday at his home in France. He was known for playing Detective John Munch in “Law & Order: SVU.” (Getty Images)
She added. “How lucky the angels are to have you. I can hear them laughing already. I love you so much, now and forever.”
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Belzer’s cause of death was not immediately known.
“Goodbye my friend. I love you,” Meloni wrote alongside a photo with her longtime TV co-star. #LaBelz.
“Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of watching Richard Belzer play Detective John Munch – whether in ‘Homicide’ or ‘Law & Order: SVU’ – for four decades will never forget how much he inhabited this character well- loved to make it his own,” NBC and Universal Television shared a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“His professionalism, talents and dedication to craftsmanship have made him a mainstay in the industry, but it’s his humor, compassion and loving heart that has made him a family. Our condolences go out to his loved ones as we join them in mourning his loss, but also in celebrating his memory.”
“Richard Belzer was just hilarious,” wrote Billy Crystal. “A genius at handling a crowd. So sad he passed away.”
foxnews entertainment
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
